LaJune Benson

Inez LaJune Louise Elizabeth Robertson Benson was born on January 22, 1928 in Fremont, Ohio. She was the only daughter born to Irwin Robertson and Sallie Williams. Her father affectionately referred to her as his “little princess”.

Even though Inez was listed as her first name, throughout her life she always used LaJune and everyone called her that, or June. She was baptized at an early age at Warren A. M. E. Church in Fremont and taught Sunday school there. She was an excellent student and enjoyed school. LaJune graduated from Fremont High School in 1946 near the top of her class. She always wanted to become a registered nurse and saw her dream fulfilled with her daughter becoming a RN.

During her youth, she enjoyed running track just as her brothers had done. LaJune attempted to do everything they did. As a teenager, her father drove the children and their friends to neighboring towns to go dancing and roller skating. LaJune could definitely “cut a rug”.

In 1951, while enjoying music at a club in Toledo, she met her future husband as he was playing the saxophone trying to impress her. They married on November 24, 1951 and celebrated their life together for 63 ½ years. To this union two children were born, son Michael, and daughter Kimberly.

While her children were young, LaJune’s world revolved around them. She was active in the PTA, and was a den mother for the cub scouts, etc. During this time she was primarily a mother and wife. Occasionally, LaJune would work outside the home. Before her marriage she was employed at the Philco Company in Sandusky, Ohio and Standard Products in Port Clinton, Ohio. She also worked as a crossing guard while her children were in elementary school, Hudson’s Department Store during the holidays, and also Weight Watchers.

LaJune was very artistic, she loved to paint landscapes as well as people. She enjoyed this so much she enrolled at Henry Ford College to learn more about her love for art to improve her painting skills. Upon visiting her home, she would proudly show her displayed artwork throughout the house. LaJune was also an excellent seamstress, sewing for herself and her daughter. Everyone would ask her daughter where she got her clothes and she proudly stated, “my mama made them”. In addition, she crocheted and loved to garden; her flowers were a beautiful site to see. LaJune loved her home and neighborhood. She was an active member of the Grandmont Association, serving as a block captain and on the environmental committee for many years.

LaJune and George enjoyed traveling and have visited all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. While her husband served during the Korean War they lived in Wahiawa, Hawaii. She was an enthusiastic supporter of her husband’s musical career, attending many of his concerts cheering proudly and louder than anyone else.

Her granddaughter Kaylani LaJune was the light of her life and brought her so much joy and happiness. She also adored the family pet, a Maltipoo named Chilli, calling him her grand-dog.
In November 2011, George and LaJune were blessed to share 60 years of marriage and celebrated with a large dinner dance with family and friends. Even though she had recently been discharged from the hospital, LaJune stood at her chair, dancing and really enjoying herself.

Throughout her life, LaJune suffered many health challenges. Her one prayer was for the Lord to allow her to live to see her children become educated, self-sufficient adults. He granted her prayers and much more. During her later years, she was critically ill many times and the doctors wanted her family to give up hope, but LaJune was strong and a fighter. Her daughter once informed a doctor that “only the Lord above will determine when he’s ready to take her”. But as time passed on, she grew weak and tired and the Lord decided she had suffered long enough and called her home to rest.

LaJune was preceded in death by her parents Irwin and Sallie; brothers Alvin, Charles, James, and Myron. She leaves to cherish her life and memory, her beloved husband George, loving son Michael and daughter Kimberly, granddaughter Kaylani, brother-in-law Ronald of New York, niece MarJean Karr (Ronald) of Ohio, cousin Susanna Smartt of Tennessee, along with many nieces, nephews, two goddaughters, Cynthia Lucas and Yvette Jackson, and her beloved grand-dog Chilli.
Rest in peace dear Mama, we love you