Obituary of Tasha Nichole Benson

The Beginning:  Tasha Nichole Benson, was also known by others as “T”, "Tosh", "Binx", and when she didn’t want anyone to know her real name………Tonya.  She arrived on this earth on Saturday, February 23, 1982 at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, Pennsylvania and departed this life, Tuesday, July 16, 2019.

The Middle:  Tasha received her early education in the Chester Upland School District and later attended Lake Forest High School in Felton, DE, where she played on the girls basketball team and later graduated with the class of 2000. 

Tasha had a passion for cooking when she was in the ninth grade while working her first job at Wendy’s Restaurant where she was employed for six years. She continued working in the culinary field at several restaurants such as the Applebee’s establishment for over 10 years, then went on to work for Cal State University and catered special events in Bakersfield, California, where she resided for 3 years. She was employed at Firebird’s Wood Fire Grill in Chadds Ford, PA, when God decided to take her home.

The proudest moment of her life was when her son Ahmir (who she affectionately called “Pop Pop”) was born on January 22, 2008. He was her pride and joy and she was his! Tasha was an awesome mother to Ahmir.  All of her free time was devoted to making sure that he read books, was involved in the sports that he loved to keep him physically active and to occupy his time rather than playing video games.  Ahmir’s special memories of his mother are: playing basketball, going to Main Event Fun Center, carnivals, movies and racing go-carts. He just enjoyed spending quality time with his mom.

Family’s fondest memories of Tasha were good times of us rolling on the floor with laughter at her doing something crazy. It could be times at family gatherings when everybody was trying to be serious and Tasha would bust out with a crazy remark or start mocking someone. She was the life of all of our birthday parties, holiday gatherings or if she just dropped by to eat….…she was always hungry, and we made sure we saved her some pretzel salad.

Tasha was the eldest of 13 grandchildren.  Growing up, she was the only girl in the family for a long time, so she grew close to her male cousins. Anything they did, she did such as climb trees, pick up frogs, play football and basketball, chase each other around the house, and even help themselves to corn from the neighbor’s cornfield that was for horses, for granny to cook; only for granny to threaten to beat them, if they stole anymore corn.  But of course, her Pop Pop Carl saw no wrong in his #1 (as he called her.)

She was a diehard Eagles fan.  During the football season, you would see her strutting around in her Eagles gear and talking trash!  Although, she was an Eagles fan, she loved playing basketball outside with her son Ahmir. Tasha also loved teaching Ahmir how to play the drums and how to engage in extra-curricular activities because she recognized his talents. 

She was a member of New City of Refuge Kingdom Worship Center where she was part of the brass section, as she was the first female saxophone player in the church.  She also served as a Jr. Adjutant to Bishop Mary L. Alexander.  While she resided in California, she was an associate member of Bread of Life Deliverance Church in Bakersfield, California, under the leadership of Pastor Janice Thompson-Gary where she served on the usher board, culinary committee and sometimes drums during mid-week service.  

The End: 

She was preceded in death by her great grandparents and grandparents, Marian Sawyer, Robert & Rachel Thorpe, and “Pop Pop” Carl Benson.

Tasha will be missed by all. She leaves to mourn her passing, her beloved son: Ahmir David Benson ; mother: Pamela Mann (Mike); Father: Thomas Thorpe (Phancia), New Castle, DE; Step Father: Jewell Mann; (2) Brothers: Marcus Brown and Joshua Mann ; (3) Sisters: Shakiera Mann ; Brittany & Leah Thorpe; grandmother: Rev. Frances Benson; godmothers: Jean Miner and Bishop Mary Alexander; (3) godchildren: Jemeire Perry, Dymear Yelverton & Breyana Greenwood; (2) special aunts; (2) special Uncles; Great Aunts & Uncles; Beloved close cousins; Aundre, Tyrone, Aaron, Scooby, Adria, Mykel, Nikia & Jalen; close friends; Nikita Perry, Taquana Williams, Shante McIntosh and a host of other cousins, family & friends.