SUFFOLK - Bennie Mae Hill McDuffie of 325 North Fifth Street, Suffolk, daughter of the late John and Mamie Hill, departed this life from her home on April 24, 2008. A native of Deland, Florida, she was born August 14, 1913. She was preceded in death by her husband, James McDuffie, a loving friend of many years, James Lee, Sr.; her sons, James Jr., John, and Joseph McDuffie, and a daughter, Josephine McDuffie Giles.

Mrs. McDuffie was retired from Greystone Hospital in New Jersey. She was a member of St. Timothy Baptist Church where she served on the Usher Board.

Remaining to cherish fond memories are her son, Permon McDuffie (Naida) of Norfolk; a devoted daughter and granddaughter, Saundra McPhatter and Benita Giles; stepchildren, James Lee, Jr. (Rosita), John Lee, Janice Lee-Jones (Edward), and Rosa L. Lee; a brother-in-law, Robert McDuffie of Detroit, Mich.; three daughters-in-law, W. B. McDuffie and Gladys McDuffie of New Jersey, and Alonia McDuffie of New York. She also leaves a goddaughter, Shirley Pelham; 25 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren12 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a new blessing to be born on June 9, 2008.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, May 2, 2008 at St. Timothy Baptist Church, officiated by The Reverend Thomas Harden. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.