Eunice Darden Bennett

Eunice Darden Bennett, affectionately called “Niecy” was born at City Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Zerb Darden and Jannie Wooten. The fifth of seven children, Eunice was a shining light in her family’s life from the very beginning. Although Eunice was born with physical challenges, she refused to let them define or limit her. With a radiant smile, a hearty laugh, and an unstoppable zest for life, she embraced each day with joy. Eunice loved to dance, and her happiness was contagious. When she babysat, it wasn’t unusual to see children riding happily on her scooter as they went to the store together. She delighted in cooking for them, nurturing them, and in return, they adored their Aunt Niecy as much as she cherished them. Eunice attended Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Walbrook High School in 1978. She enjoyed office work and found joy working with the Ruscombe staff, who loved her for her cheerful spirit and dedication. Her faith was the anchor of her life. Eunice was first a member of New Birth F.W.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Warren H. Preston Jr. On April 26, 2009, she joined New Life Church of Deliverance, where she remained a faithful member for 16 years under the leadership of Pastor Gwen Brooks. Eunice poured herself into ministry as a greeter and usher on the Hospitality Ministry, the leader of the Outreach Ministry, and a beloved member of the “Chosen One” Dance Ministry. Her dedication, faith, and service touched countless lives within her church family and beyond. Eunice loved music, dancing, and spending hours on the computer. Her kindness and care extended far beyond her own family; she became a second mother to many children in her neighborhood and community. She never allowed her physical limitations to hinder her; instead, she showed everyone around her the beauty of resilience, love, and laughter. Eunice was blessed to share 20 years of marriage with her first husband, Edward Speed, who preceded her in death. She later found love again and married Donald Bennett in 2020. Eunice was also preceded in death by her parents, Zerb Darden and Jannie Wooten; her sisters, Rev. Pauline Ballard and Drucilla Garrett; and her brother, Alex Wooten. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her sisters, Ruth Smith and Sophia Gibbs (Carlton); her beloved nieces and nephews, including her favorites, Stella Knight and Yvonne Elliott; her devoted cousin, Annette Boiling; and a host of family members, friends, and children who knew her as Aunt Niecy. Eunice’s life was a true testimony that joy, love, and faith can overcome every obstacle. Her story is one of courage, commitment, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and community

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Eunice Darden Bennett

December 29, 1959 - August 25, 2025