Born on November 17th 1948 Sandra Laverne Benson, 77, of Springfield MA, passed away peacefully at home on May 4th 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's/Dementia, she has finally found peace, rest and is with our Lord and savior.

Originally born in Cleveland, Tennessee to Kathleen and George Lodge. She grew up with her 7 siblings Luke , Larry , Linda, Kathy, Clara, Verna, and Vanessa . Sandra had a vibrant spirit and a love for worshiping the Lord and spending time with Family. She graduated High School from Jeremiah E Burke High School, Dorchester MA, she earned her Associates degree degree at Bunker Hill College, her Bachelors degree and her Master's degree at National University in San Diego CA. Sandra went on to build a beautiful career in the United States Navy leaving Boston MA and was stationed in San Diego CA where, her career spand from August 11th, 1982 to April 1st, 1990. Personnel Specialist First Class Sandra L. Benson enlisted in the United States Navy in 1981. After completing training at Recruit Training Commando Orlando Fl. She reported for duty to the USS Hector-AR7 in 1982 as a non-designated Seaman. That same year she attended Personnalman "A" school and received her designation as a Personnelman. he then reported to the USS Acadia-AD42. The tour afforded her the opportunity to complete a western Pacific deployment that included Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Korea, Sasebo and Yokosuka, Japan. Once completing 4 years of active-duty service she extended for an additional 4 years and accepted orders to Personnel Support Detachment Training Command in San Diego CA. During this Tour, PS1 Benson attended and graduated from National University receiving her Bachelor's degree of Art degree in 1990. In January 1997, Sandra affiliated with the Navy Reserve Force and has been an active reservist for 12 years. As a reservist, she has been assigned duty at MMF, PSD, Sigonella, PSD Jacksonville, PDS Atlantic and lastly NPPSC DET B. PS1 Benson has also attended several advanced Personnalmen schools as well as annual training in Puerto Rico, Italy, San Diego, Connecticut, Hawaii and Jacksonville.

Sandra volunteered for a nonprofit organization March of Dimes. She lived and worked in Gainesville Florida for over 30 years. Sandra also worked at the VA in Gainesville Fl as a program Assistant. While living in Gainesville. She attended Mt Moriah Baptist church, where she was loved and respected by her church family there. Kindness flowed through Sandra's veins. She was an active member of Mount Moriah Baptist church where she served as a Senior Usher Board, Senior Ministry, secretary of Sunday school and vacation bible school. She served with sincerity and diligence, Sandra was always willing to what was asked of her and to serve where and when she was needed. She didn't mind praising God for all of his many blessings as she often demonstrated during church service. Sandra was the lady who walked fast, wore a contagious smile and a kind and selfless heart. Sandra volunteered for the March of Dimes. Sandra's laughter was infectious, and her empathy touched everyone they met. She was married to her late husband John R Benson where She enjoyed her life with him until his passing. She dedicated her life to her family and community and serving the Lord. She loved and was very proud of her grandchildren, Andre Benson Jr. of Boston MA, Dante and Joelle (Fiancé)- Benson of San Diego CA, Kalyb Benson of San Diego CA, Diamond Benson of San Diego CA, Drew Benson of San Diego CA, Olivia Benson of San Diego CA, Noah Benson of CA, Giselle Benson of San Diego CA, Cheyenne Pratt of San Deigo CA, Faith Benson, Joy Benson, Elijah Benson of Springfield MA. She leaves behind her only loving son Andre Benson and his wife Sharon  of Springfield MA and a host, cousins, nieces, nephews, 5 great grandchildren in San Diego CA. Her step grandchildren of San Diego CA and Phoenix AZ and step great grandchildren of San Diego CA and Phoenix AZ.