
Kia Renee Benjamin

Grief never ends… but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… it is the price of love.
Obituary
Kia Renee Benjamin entered the world on September 4, 1977, to Norman Humphries and the late Charlene Berkley Powe in Cheverly, MD. Eventually, she moved to Greenbelt, MD and made a home there with her loving husband, Henry Benjamin and three adoring sons: Travis Kennedy, Kavoni Benjamin, and Javien Benjamin.
Kia’s excitement for learning translated across her personal interests and career. As a beaming graduate of DuVal High School and Prince George’s Community College, Kia became a Cyber Security Analyst. She often helped others pursue similar paths through her guidance and willingness to share resources. Similarly, in her personal life, Kia was always the first to raise her hand and help. As an active member of Restoration Praise Center Seventh Day Adventist Church, Kia served cheerfully on multiple committees in support of her community.
Kia's volunteer efforts left a bold imprint on the people blessed enough to experience her. Her approach to life was one of unshakable faith, always leading with a smile and a warm hug. Though she was tiny, her laughter and love were monumental and shared widely to all who knew her. Most proudly, Kia was a devoted wife and mother. She lit up with pride when talking about Henry, Travis, Kavoni and Javien and was surrounded by their love when she entered into eternal rest on August 4th at Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center.
Kia was preceded in death by her mother, Charlene Berkley Powe, and step-father, Norman Powe and aunts and uncles of the Berkely Family. Though the physical journey ends here, her family and friends will cherish her memory always. Her husband, her children, her father Willis Humphries, and siblings, Nyna Powe, Covel Ledbetter, Nicole Daniel, and Dominique Humphries, devoted Uncle Ed Berkely, along with countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and colleagues will miss her deeply.
Kia Renee Benjamin was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend who made the most of her 47 years on earth. Her joy, laughter, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
Our Kia
With Heavy Hearts we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Kia Renee Benjamin. Born on September 4, 1977, Kia transitioned from this life on August 4, 2025. Kia was a light to many—full of warmth, strength, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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comfort that cant be understood.
Sunday is coming
and I can’t say
that any of us are really ready.
But we gon’ try,
we gon’ remember,
we gon’ cry,
and we gon’ remember
your smile
the sound of your voice
your last text
or email
or the last time you laced up your skates
or danced your way to victory
and God,
you gon’ have to help us
cuz, Sunday is coming
And we ain’t ready”
I am so grateful for the ways you made me feel cherished, your beauty and joy and love for life blessed us all. I love you, Kia-Bia!
Love,
Leah-Beah

But… why would it? This world is not our home. There is too much tragedy here and far too much heartbreak.
The more I live the more I agree that the good die young. I think that good people like Kia don’t belong in a cold, evil, cruel world. So God allows them to escape it and sleep. That knowing doesn’t ease the pain, hurt, or grief, though. My heart is broken for your family and as a tween boy Mom myself, especially for Javien.
Although I have not known you, Kia, for years and years, my experience with you echoes that of so many. You were love. You were joy. You were laughter. I distinctly remember our last two conversations. In both cases we laughed so hard, even though you were in the midst of your battle… you still laughed… you still smiled… you still brought joy. You STILL found a way to bring the laughter! It was your way of life! During both of those conversations, you mentioned your beloved Junior… “My husband said…” “You sound like my husband!” LOL. You were about that life!
I’ll cherish your memory. And, if there’s something that I can take from you, it is to live out loud and intentionally, love, smile, and laugh often. Embrace, welcome, and love on people (Thank you for warmly welcoming Myles and I to RPC when we were newbies with a constant smile!)!
Thank you, Kia, for leaving us the gift that allows us to know that you are indeed safe… So rest. You are safe. You are free.
To the Benjamin Family… we sorrow with you in this great loss and we pray that God supernaturally comforts your hearts and grants peace like only He can!
See you later, Kia! We will miss you!
Until then… Rest!
-Hannah AH
I got to know her most through her youngest son, Javien, who has always brought joy and energy to the choir. I always appreciated how she affirmed her son and his love for music.
The other day, I came across one of the choir’s performances during which the parents joined their children to sing “Lord, Teach Me How to Pray”. Throughout the performance, you can see Kia clapping along with her son and looking at him, smiling and nodding, encouraging his praise.
In one of my very last conversations with Kia, she shared her spiritual journey and that’s informed her values and how she loves on other people. It left me having more respect for her and wanting to be a better steward of those around me and my community.
I’m very sad that she’s gone, but grateful to have experienced her sunshine.
I offer my most heartfelt condolences to her family and all of those impacted by her loss. 🤎✨
~ Juliette Nelson

You lived passionately. Your light shined in such a way that it touched those of us around you in a special way. For our family, our paths first crossed with ministries we collaborated in. Kia and JR, you guys were the dynamic duo . Whether it was through drama, music, or AV/media, we witnessed firsthand your love for God, commitment to serving others, and dedication in using your talents and gifts to inspire, as well as encourage. You had unwavering faith and it showed in everything you did.
We cherish the memories you leave with us. We’ll miss you fiercely. Your compassion, positivity, authenticity, artistic and expressive spirit, bubbly and charismatic personality, are all the qualities we will remember and carry until we meet again. We continue to pray for JR and the boys and we’ll surround them with love, care and support.
Her light was so bright. Her soul was genuine.
Kia will truly be missed.
Praying for Henry and their sons.
Kia, your passing leaves a heartache no one can heal, but your love has given us cherished memories no one can steal. With this painful reality, our family will never be the same. From the day you met us, you love on us. That is why we cannot say goodbye. Instead, we look forward to meeting you again when Jesus comes to take us home in His glorious by and by.
You were not only a faithful member and dear friend, a faithful supporter in ministry—walking beside us as a pastoral family and helping us to excel in the cause of the Lord, but you were family. Your love for God’s work and your willingness to stand with us will never be forgotten.
Henry, Travis, Kavoni, and Javien—remember this: even on your darkest days, God has provided an angel by your side to guide you along the way.
After the clouds comes the sunshine; after the winter, the spring; after the rain, the rainbow; after the night, the morning, bidding all darkness cease. And after life’s cares and sorrows are past, there awaits the comfort and sweetness of Heavenly peace. You can begin to plan to see your wife, your mother again in our heavenly beauty.
So rest now, Kia, your smile, your spark of life and love remains with us until that great day when our Lord returns, and we shall meet again in His glorious kingdom.
And though our hearts grieve, we take courage in the same promise that Kia and her husband Junior often leaned on together. To you, Junior, may these words continue to be a source of strength and hope:
“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” — Jude 1:24–25
With all of our love,
The Green Family – Larry, Schkara, Karelle, Kabrielle, and Kemuel

I ~Irreplaceable
A~Adaptable/ Accepting
She had such a big, open heart. She loved & touched so many groups of ppl in a unique & special way. She was fun~loving, caring, genuine to everyone that she crossed paths with. She brought ppl together because she was so easy to love. Her spirit was Christlike & inspirational.
Kia will always be remembered for her unwavering FAITH & CHRIST like spirit.
I’m so thankful for all the treasured moments & memories we & our families shared.
Of course , we will continue to love & support your family to the best of our ability…. After all, we consider them extended family
Rest well, Sweet, baby Sis. Forever in our hearts.
Big Sis, Bren ❣️❣️❣️❣️


I pray for peace and strength for your family and for everyone who was touched by your light. May they feel the comfort of your legacy and the warmth of your love even in your absence.
Rest well, Suga. You are safe in His arms. You will never be forgotten and your love lives on in all of us.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” — Revelation 21:4
My hope is in the promise of new life in the earth made new—so that we can praise and dance together again. 💜💜💜





Thanks for always loving on me and for calling me Mom. I pray that your love, your enduring faith and strenghth will serve your family as a legacy for years to come. Rest my love.
Let us take comfort and hold on to that promise of seeing you in the earth made new. My heartfelt condolences to JR ,the boys and all family members and loved ones.
RIP dear Kia.


Family Peace be with you.
We will deeply miss the heel-wearing, hairstyle-flowing fashionista she was always radiant, always stylish, always leaving an impression wherever she went.
My heart is heavy knowing she is no longer with us, but I find peace in knowing her pain has ended and she now rests in eternal sleep. I pray Henry finds strength for their boys, and that he leans on the loving village surrounding them. Kia’s light, her laughter, her beauty, and her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
Love always
Trini-Tricia







Kia, Kia! When we are on the earth made new I will call you again by name. We always expressed love for each other—a warm hug, a kiss on the cheek, a bright smile. A sincere ask about my well-being, even when you were sick you wanted to know how I was doing. That’s who you were… selfless.
I will miss the colorful stories. You told stories from your childhood, stories about your various jobs, stories about your family—immediate and extended. I’ll miss your blow-by-blow accounts of family events and the drama you added by arguing with JR about what actually happened. In fact, I could never tell what was what, and it didn’t matter because I was just happy to be a part of your world. Now that you are gone, I will cherish these stories and beg God to keep my memory rich with them.
Kia's smile and laugh was infectious! She could light up a room with her spirit. I loved to see her dance because she just exhibited pure joy in those moments. She was kind and loving. I never saw her willfully exclude anyone. I felt accepted by her just as I am.
I will never forget me telling Kia that I didn't know how to wear eye shadow at a women's retreat. She didn't clown me or laugh. She said she would come to my room and show me how. I agreed and she came. She taught me what I know about eye shadow, and is the catalilyst for me wearing it. My mom never really wore it and my sister didn't teach me, but Kia did. After the retreat, she bought me an eye shadow kit that I still have today. I am going to miss her, and I am looking forward to seeing my sis on the other side of eternity. 💜♾️💜♾️
Man, it’s hard to even write this. My heart is completely broken trying to find the words. Those who knew Kia, knew what real joy looked like. That smile of hers could light up the whole room, and her laugh was the best sound in the world. I'm going to miss it so much.
We had great times together, going to see live bands, dancing and singing to the tops of our voices. Her positive vibe was infectious.
To say I'm heartbroken doesn't even cover it. It hurts so much knowing I can't have one more conversation or hug. I won’t hear her say “Hey Suga Love” one more time… But even with all this sadness, I believe God was gracious toward her in the midst of what she was going through. I have to believe it. I’m hurt and I’m angry, but I believe God is Who He says He is… I rest on that.
Henry, Travis, Kavoni, and Javien – my heart is just aching for you guys. I want you to know, you are not alone in this. Kia built a whole village of people who loved her and you all, and we are all here. Whatever you all need, whenever you need it, we’ve got you. We’ll be there to share stories, to laugh, to cry, and to always remember the incredible woman she was.
Kia, I miss you more than I can say. Thank you for being the most amazing friend a person could ask for. You listened without judgement and were consistent in showing love. That is priceless and will be missed. I’ll cherish our memories forever.
Until we meet again, Sis. I'm coming looking for you.
Love Forever and Ever,
La

Forty-seven years on this earth, and you poured love into every person you met. I was blessed to walk this life with you, not just as my friend but as my sister in spirit. You weren’t just in my life you were woven into the very fabric of it.
From the moment we met at church, I knew you were special. You welcomed me with that warm smile, carrying yourself like a queen even while pregnant , and you had a light that drew me in instantly.
We dreamed together, prayed together, danced together, and planned our Florida days on the porch with drink in hand. We never made that move in this lifetime. So sleep well, until we meet again.
Kia, you taught me about loyalty, forgiveness, joy in the storm, and living with purpose. You were my voice of reason, my cheerleader, my safe place. I promise to keep your name alive, love your family, and live boldly, just like you did.
This isn’t goodbye, my sister. This is “I’ll see you later.”
I love you, forever, Boo-Cakes!

My sincere condolences goes out to her Hubby and handsome young sons during this difficult time. We love you all.

I’ve been without words and heartbroken for a week now. I am so incredibly blessed to have known you and call you friend. Your energy, laughter, confidence, dancing, and sweet voice will never be forgotten and can never be replaced. Love you so much Ki. Rest now from a job well done.
Life is unfair but so grateful for our faith and the amazing hope we have to see you when the trumpet sounds. Adding you to my list of folks to find on that great day…
Well done boo!
Love ya,
Tayna
What an honor to have called you my friend.
What a blessing to have called you my sister—the sister I chose❣️
One week ago today, you transitioned... and while feelings of anger and grief have often kept me company since then, I know joy will soon come! I hold on to the hope of seeing you again—on that great getting-up morning! So I’ve got my “act right” in tow.
No doubt YOU ARE SAVED - and the next time you open your eyes, you’ll see Jesus! YES! So rest, Sis… we got you and the Fam till then. Well done, Kia! WELL DONE!
To the Benjamin, Humphries, and Powe family—my heart is deeply sorry for your loss. My sincerest prayer is that the Holy Spirit will provide comfort, rest, and peace during this time. Truly. Deeply.
With all my love, Dege 💛
LIVE SERVICE
Donate
During this incredibly difficult time we are humbly asking for your support to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance to Kia’s family as they navigate this unexpected loss. Your donations will cover:
*Funeral Expenses: The goal is to give Kia a celebratory memorial service.
*Family Counseling: Professional counseling will be important for the family, especially for her three beautiful boys.
*Private School Tuition: Kia's youngest son is still in middle school and has many trying years ahead of him without his mother. To honor Kia's memory and ensure he has the best possible education and social environment, the prayer is to cover a portion of his future private school tuition.
*Remaining medical expenses: Kia spent the last three weeks in the hospital prior to passing and we want to ensure the family is not burdened with unexpected medical bills.
*Any contribution will help the family and allow them to focus on healing and honoring Kia's memory. Your support during this time is appreciated. Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser with people in your network and others who loved Kia.
Please visit https://gofund.me/cd7ff43b to continue your show of support.
In lieu of flowers, you may also send acknowledgements and gifts to
Restoration Praise Center
c/o N. Raphael & S. Dawson
14201 Old Stage Road
Bowie, MD 20720-
Thank you!

