b. March 1, 1930, d. June 26, 2010
The funeral will be held
July 12, 7 PM
Saint Peter’s Church
619 Lexington Avenue (at 54th Street)
New York, New York 10022-4610
A jazz service is being planned and is likely to include: Randy Weston and African Rhythms, a classical piece on violin played by one of his nieces, and Nextep featuring Frank Wess (Benny’s last group with whom he recorded). There will be New Orleans Brass band to play first and second line.
Condolences may be sent to:
Lisa Dickerson
3128 Westover Drive SE
Washington DC 20020
Instead of flowers the family has setup an education fund for his Grandchildren.
Kyle and Faith Swetnam
CO Evelyn Nolan (Grandmother)
2890 Emerald Spring Dr
Lawrenceville GA 30095
Benny died on the morning of June 26th. He was at Roosevelt Hospital, in New York City, recovering from successful spinal surgery when he died from causes not yet determined. He may have suffered a fatal heart attack, but the official report is not due until later this week.
Benny is survived by his daughter Demitra Powell Clay, his grandchildren Faith and Kyle Swetnam, his sister Elizabeth Powell McCrowey, his nieces, Lisa Dickerson who was in New York with him for the surgery, Terri Dickerson Hawkins, Patrice Dickerson, Laurie Dickerson, Verna Von Holtzclaw, Ann McCrowey Mickle and Bennette Brown; his nephews Bryon Brown, Craig Brown, Gilbert Mc Crowey Michael McCrowey, and Scott McCrowey; Barry K. Cooper, whom he loved as a son, and a host of grand nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.
[info as of 7/1/2010]
I met him in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Pastor Dale Lind introduced him to us and I went up and introduced myself to Mr. Powell (not Benny, he was old enough to be my father. I always called elder musicians “mister.” I was a fan of television variety show bands. He was amazing. He always was in my thoughts. He was what a musician should be: a musician’s musician and a man’s man. He was a truly a man of faith. I am glad that St. Peter’s gave him a place to hang his hat with so many others like him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.