03/21/2026
Obituary
Edward Lee Howard Benard
September 2, 1949 – March 13, 2026 (Age 76)
Edward Lee Howard Benard, affectionately known as “Eddie” and “Ed Lee,” was born on September 2, 1949, in Money, Mississippi. At the age of two, he relocated with his family to Warren, Ohio, where he remained a lifelong resident and a cherished member of the community.
Edward peacefully departed this life on March 13, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving family.
He dedicated over 37½ years of faithful service to General Motors Lordstown, from which he later retired. His strong work ethic, commitment, and reliability earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike.
A man of deep faith and service, Edward served as President of Love Charity Alms and as Head Trustee of St. John Ministries Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Through his leadership and devotion, he made a lasting impact on his church family and the broader community, always striving to uplift and support those in need.
Edward was preceded in death by his mother, Ceola Howard Hardin; his stepfather, William “Bill” Hardin; his biological father, Edward Benard; and two sons, Derek Dorsey and EJ Roper.
He leaves to cherish his memory his longtime significant other, Ms. Linda Dorsey; his loving children: Mrs. Charlotte Blue (John) of Verbena, Alabama; Marsha Cromety of Aurora, Colorado; Tracey Benard of Warren, Ohio; Angel Dorsey of Warren, Ohio; Lyndell Bernard of Warren, Ohio; Edward Bernard Jr. (Qimma) of Warren, Ohio; Charles Roper of Mansfield, Ohio; and Tony Roper of Conway, South Carolina.
He also leaves to cherish his memory his siblings of the Dayton, Ohio area:
Donna Moore, Edward BernardJr., Kim Patello, Charles Bernard, Arella Browning, Mark Moore, Clifford Bernard, Sharon Bernard, Keith Moore, Charlene Bernard, Earl Bernard, Jerry Moore, and Pamela Bernard.
Edward also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever remember his kindness, strength, and unwavering love.
His legacy of faith, family, and service will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Services:
Monday, March 23, 2026
10:00 AM Calling hours
11:00AM Funeral
St. John Ministeies Church of God in Christ
419 Highland Ave. S.W.
Warren, OH 44485
His legacy of faith, family, and service will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Services:
Monday, March 23, 2026
10:00 AM Calling hours
11:00AM Funeral
St. John Ministeies Church of God in Christ
419 Highland Ave. S.W.
Warren, OH 44485
