Merry S. Bennett

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Merry Beatrice Stokes Bennett, affectionately known as “Merry,” lived a life filled with purpose, love, and resilience. Born on April 1, 1921, in Louisburg, North Carolina, she was raised by her grandparents, Lawrence and Annie Stokes, who instilled in her a strong work ethic and a passion for learning. Merry excelled academically, graduating from Grover Cleveland High School and later earning her Bachelor and Master degrees from Rutgers University.

Merry’s life was defined by her dedication to family, education, and community. After marrying her first love, William H. Alston, she built a beautiful life with him in New Jersey, raising twin sons, Warren and William. Following William’s untimely passing, Merry pressed forward with grace, pivoting into the mental health field, where she retired as Assistant Director of the Mental Health Department at Riverview Medical.

In 1971, Merry found love again with Captain Joseph Bruce Bennett. Together, they shared a life of adventure, travel, and shared passions, including Merry’s love of flying and community service. She was a proud member of numerous organizations, including the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the National Council of Negro Women, and the Monmouth County Chapter of Smart Set Inc., where she helped establish a legacy of sisterhood and service.

Merry was an advocate for lifelong learning and women’s empowerment, often saying, “Even if it’s one class at a time, never stop learning.” She filled her life with hobbies such as photography, gardening, birdwatching, and flying, embodying a spirit of curiosity and joy.

Merry is preceded in death by her mother, Estelle Howe, husbands, William H. Alston , Joseph Bruce Bennett, grandson, Warren Alston Jr. 

She is survived by her beloved sons, Warren and William Alston, stepdaughters Karen Johnson and Ramona Bennett, grandchildren, Shea Bennett (Fatuma), Keysha Grasty (Erich), Rachel Alston, Yeshua Alston (Lindsay), Imani Jackson, Epiphany Alston, Destiny Keenan, Ryan Keenan, Victoria Keenan, Joshua Johnson and a host of great-grandchildren.

Merry’s legacy is one of strength, grace, and an unyielding commitment to living life on her own terms. She will be deeply missed but forever celebrated.

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