Tributes

Portrait of a Servant Even before his formation, God had a special plan for the life of Doris Nathaniel Benford, Sr. He was born into a sharecropping family in Kemp, TX, on March 12, 1930, to Mary Benford (Banks). He was raised in a loving home, along with his two brothers William (WD) and Rufus Jean, provided by his mother, grandmother (Seeny Stovall), uncle (Jesse) and aunt (Annie Lee). God was all they had. After hardship, members of the family relocated to Vernon, TX, and at the age of 6, he responded to the efficacious call of the Holy Spirit and accepted Jesus as his Savior at the New Hope Baptist Church. By the age of 12, he received and began to grapple with the direct call to preach God’s word. Two years after receiving his calling, Pastor Benford became fully persuaded to share the Gospel. During a direct encounter with the Lord, as angels sang 'Sweet Hour of Prayer', he made a solemn promise to God at that moment, vowing to do his best and remain faithful unto death. His personal motto then became, “I preach because I can’t help it.” He preached his first sermon on December 25, 1944, and preached throughout his life until his final day, April 15, 2024. With the help of Dr. C. H. Durden and the New Hope Church, Benford received $45 after that first sermon and soon found himself headed to seminary at Conroe College. He spent seven years at Conroe College and ultimately earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Theology, a Bachelor of Divinity, and a Doctor of Divinity. In 1945, he was ordained by the Trinity Valley Association under the leadership of Dr. J.J. Jackson and became the pastor of the West Beulah Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX for one year. In 1947, he was called to the Rising Star Baptist Church, a part-time church in Spanish Camp, TX. Soon thereafter, he was called to pastor another part-time church, First Baptist Church, in Glen Flora, TX. Three years later, in 1950 at the age of twenty, Pastor Benford was called to the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church of La Marque, Texas. Pastor Benford’s tenure at Rising Star has been defined by challenges that he and God faced head-on: from holding the flock together after witnessing the church burn, to facing threats of death as he fought for integration, enduring personal attacks while advocating for the County’s Headstart program, and even battling a stroke as he dedicated himself to serving the youth and those most in need in the community. Through it all, he remained steadfast, finding strength in the Lord. As a visionary builder, Pastor Benford has erected two magnificent Houses of Prayer and Worship. Yet, his greatest construction projects lie in the realm of character and spiritual foundations, impacting thousands of God’s children. History will likely underestimate the profound influence of his teaching, mentorship, and exemplary life on those who have crossed his path. From counseling ministers and pastors to leading cheers for beginners at Bible School, one thing is certain: he did it with all his might! He brought great passion to God’s work. He brought that same passion to his personal relationships as well. He was a great father and husband, who often credited the partnership of Julia, his wife of nearly 63 years, for his ability to dedicate so much time to others. He was a great fisherman and friend, always looking to share a great story, with a funny twist and rooted in wisdom. In all things, Pastor Benford gave thanks, recognizing the value of both sunshine and rain in shaping his journey. He was thankful for all experiences, whether good or bad, as he knew it molded his character and testimony. His unwavering gratitude is evident in the steadfastness of his walk and the fervor of his service. Despite the divine calling on his life and God-given talents to preach and teach the Word of God in a unique way, Pastor Benford would esteem others better than himself. The motto of Rising Star, ‘We always have time for you,’ epitomizes this ethos, which Pastor Benford exemplified in his daily leadership. Through God’s guidance and the church’s outreach efforts, Pastor Benford was able to feed, clothe and minister to an uncounted many that came from near and far. If there was a kind word or deed to be done, Pastor Benford’s giving spirit allowed him to give access to his time, talent and treasure. D. N. Benford, Sr., is preceded in death by his wife of 60 plus years, Julia; daughter, Michele; first wife, Dorothy; daughter, Arla; grandmother, Seeny; mother, Mary; brothers, WD and Rufus Jean, and aunts and uncles. He is survived by his children, Doris Nathaniel Benford, Jr (June), Yolanda Benford Proctor, Toni Benford Relf (Thomas), and Thomas N. Benford (Chelsea); grandchildren, Kim Jones, Tonya Jones, Dustin Benford, Desiree Benford, Mokysha Benford, Cherrell King (Rodney), Natalie Proctor, Sam Proctor, Jr., Malcolm Proctor, Alonzo Benford (Jaime), Julia Benford, Madison Benford, Wright Benford, and Chase Benford; great-grandchildren, Chris, Dantrell, Durrell (Stephanie), Hailey, Thomas, Shelton, Kennedy, Samson, Jude, Saturn, Brielle, Breland, Kendall, Emory; 8 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, close friends, and congregants.

Tributes

Rev. Dr. D. N. Benford Sr.

March 12, 1930 - April 15, 2024