Joy Pauline Nathan-Benn

Joy P. Nathan-Benn was born February 16, 1951, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She was the only daughter of Mr. Clyde Nathan, and Ms. Bessie Boyce Nathan. She received her primary and secondary education in the West Chester public school system. After graduation from Henderson High School, she matriculated and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee; and later earned her Master’s degree in foreign languages from Tennessee State University.

Joy loved life and was adventurist.  She wanted to see more of the world and this desire led her to being able to experience life in foreign environments and cultures.  She launched her nearly 48-year career in International Development  first as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Dakar, Senegal where she taught English as a foreign language to junior and high school students.  Her interest in working in the international career arena led her to Peace Corps Mali as a Training Officer for in-coming English teachers and later as its Administrator Officer; a Program Administrator in Niger, with Africare Inc., a non-governmental development agency; and with USAID in Dakar, Senegal.   Upon returning to the United States in 1985, she continued working in international affairs with various firms including John Snow Inc., Aecom, and DT Global.  Her professional career offered her opportunity to travel extensively around the world beyond African countries including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka to name a few.

She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memories her beloved husband of 43 years, R.J. Benn; two sons Omari J. Benn, and Djelani S. Benn; and one grandson, who we lovingly referred to as “lil O”, Omari S. Benn; and several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services will be lived streamed through The Peoples Community Church website:  https://live.lifestream.tv/the-peoples-community-baptist-church

*Click the link and press the play button 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joy Pauline Nathan-Benn, please visit our floral store.