Alberta Bennett

ALBERTA BENNETT who most referred to affectionately as “Bert,” was a woman whose life was defined by love, resilience, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family. Born on November 28, 1932, to Carrie Quick Stanton and Harvey Stanton, Bert grew up in Baltimore, where she received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Dunbar High School. She subsequently attended Cortex Peters Business School, the first Black-owned business and vocational institute. There, she honed the skills that would later underpin her professional career. As a teenager, Bert joined New Friendship Baptist Church, grounding her life in faith early on. It was during these formative years that she met the love of her life, Bernard Bennett. The two married in 1955 and built a beautiful family together. Their union brought them two children, Keith and Tara, both of whom preceded her in death—losses that broke her heart. Bernard, her lifelong partner and source of strength, also preceded her in death, marking yet another profound heartbreak. Continuing in her faith journey, she worshiped at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church for many years before continuing her spiritual journey at a church in Owings Mills, Maryland. Throughout Bert’s life her faith remained a constant and a guiding force. Despite these unimaginable losses, Bert’s spirit remained steady and strong. When her daughter Tara passed away, Bert devoted her life to raising and nurturing her three grandchildren—Cameron Lalani, and twins Carrie and Carmen Lalani. She poured into them the same love, guidance, and steady presence she had given her own children, becoming both grandmother and guardian, teacher and protector. Bert’s heart expanded even further with the arrival of her fourth grandchild, Kira, who brought her immense happiness. She also found strength and comfort in the steadfast support of her nephews, and great-nephew and -niece — Dr. Derek Lindsey, Dr. Ronald Johnson, Dr. Derek J. Lindsey II and Dr. Glenda Lindsey, DR. PH — as well as her loving daughter-in-law, Tina Bennett. Another pillar of love in Bert’s life was her cherished lifelong friend, Sylvia Sanders. Sylvia comforted her through each season of grief, and Sylvia’s passing brought yet another sorrow. Still, Bert persisted—finding renewed joy, purpose, and laughter in her growing family. Professionally, Bert dedicated 20 years of service to the Social Security Administration. She later spent more than a decade as a substitute teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System, where her warmth, patience, and natural gift for connecting with children made her a beloved presence. Principals and colleagues often encouraged her to pursue a teaching degree, but Bert chose instead to devote her time to her family—an act that reflected her values and her heart. Despite many hardships, Bert maintained an infectious sense of humor and lived joyfully. She loved to dance, laugh, and celebrate the simple pleasures of everyday living. Her home was a place of warmth and hospitality, where family and friends always felt welcome. She had a special gift for creating comfort through her cooking, and her kitchen was often filled with the inviting aromas of her signature dishes. Among the most memorable were her famous pepper steak, moist coconut cake, and exceptional Christmas cookies, all of which became cherished staples at family gatherings. These meals were not just food items, but they were expressions of her love and a central part of the traditions that brought her family together, leaving everyone with lasting memories of joy and togetherness. A true movie buff, Bert was the kind who would lose herself in a good movie. One of her all-time favorites was Scarface, a movie she watched so many times, she lost count. She loved entertaining and being entertained. Her home was often filled with laughter, good food and an exciting movie. Though she endured more heartbreak than most, Bert met each day with grace, strength, and a heart still open to love. Her spirit, her laughter, and her unwavering devotion to family will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her. Bert leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and generosity. She is celebrated and fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Cameron, Carrie, Carmen, and Kira; as well as her nephews and nieces, Dr. Derek Lindsey, Dr. Ronald Johnson and Dr. Glenda Lindsey; daughter-in-law, Tina Bennett; great-nephew, Dr. Derek J. Lindsey, JD; and a host of extended family members and friends whose lives she touched deeply.

Tributes

Alberta Bennett

November 28, 1932 - January 23, 2026