Forrest Benton

Forrest “Forrie”  “Woods”  “Pop-Pop” Benton, 66, of Providence, RI peaceful drifted into eternal rest, on September 10, 2019.  Forrest was born in Providence, RI on August 8, 1953. He was the son of the late Margaret (Russell) Benton and Leon Benton Sr. Forrest came from a large, loving and religious family, with deep roots in Texas, Louisiana and Providence, RI. 

Forrest was educated in the Providence Public School System. He attended Central High School, where he thrived as a talented basketball player. Forrest spent much of his childhood and adolescence at the South Side Boys and Girls Club. This is where he discovered his love, passion and talent for swimming, which lead to becoming a State Champion, in both Swimming and Diving.  During his youth, Forrest also enjoyed playing in softball and baseball leagues, across the city. Forrest had many athletic abilities, spending much of his time immersed in sports. 

Forrest was a founding member of the Benton Brother’s gospel group. He shined as a musician, demonstrating solid song writing skills and smooth vocalist ability. Forrest had a savory tenor sound, which was unleashed on the Album “Take Care of Momma” and the song  “Come To Take Your Children Home”. The Benton Brother’s, a group of friends and siblings have performed for decades at gospel concerts and churches along the east coast. They have opened for legendary gospel artists, such as Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys. 

Forrest was a loving and caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He enjoyed the excitement of a good Patriots football game, listening to music and spending time with family, as well as friends. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his dearly beloved Priscilla Marshall; loving children, Diona Gomes, Carla Taylor, Christina Taylor, Anika Taylor, Felicia Peoples, Passion Peoples, Latesha Peoples and Mario Peoples; brother and best friend, Lawrence Joseph “Joe” Benton; grandchildren, Daequan Gomes, Dennissa Gomes, Timmelle Kilgore Jr., Joseph Taylor, Darriana Forbes, Tiana Stitchell, Terrell Whetstone Jr., Zoelynn Trent, Connington Whitener, Isiaha Whitener, Lela Whitener and Precious Whitener;  great grand daughter, Kilise Stewart and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Daughter Shanna Taylor, grandson Kiplagott Stewart Jr., sister, Thelma “Penny” Nance and brothers, Kevin, Roosevelt, John and Leon Benton, preceded Forrest in death. 

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