My Favorite Teacher
%20(1)%20(1).png)
GRANDDAUGHTER
Lisa R. Akridge
Our Foundation
WESLYN A. BENNETT FOUNDATION is established to honor the namesake tradition of nurturing children by providing enrichment activities to further their well-being and develop exemplary character. We’ll help you take the guesswork out of finding fun learning activities that your child will remember for a lifetime.
​
For more information on her personal story scroll down.
HeadStart Volunteer and Child Care Provider
Humble Beginnings
Weslyn was orphaned in Nashville, Tennessee at the young age of 13, and also given the caregiver’s role for her 4 siblings ranging in ages 11 years to 18 months. Recognizing the value and opportunities education provided, she later attended Stowe Teacher’s College for one year and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.
%20(1).png)
DAUGHTER
Maxine E. Bennett
Educator
.png)
GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER
Jessica Jenkins
Educator
.png)
GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER
Jaimi Jenkins
Educator
GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER
Ashley Thomas
Educator
.png)
Educational Impact
Weslyn taught in the Inkster Public School system and served at Carver Elementary School and Lincoln Child Development Center as kindergarten teacher from 1948 until her retirement in 1976. After 27 years she resumed teaching as a substitute and many teachers requested she fill in for them during their absences.
In 1937 she married Albert D. Bennett, Sr. of Lebanon, Tennessee. They became the parents of four children. In 1943 the family moved to Inkster, Michigan where she nurtured a community that she would leave an everlasting impact.
She joined St. James Methodist Episcopal Church as a pioneer member and was active in the choir, church school, and was the first delegate to Lexington Conference School of Missions from St. James Women’s Society of Christian Service and served for five consecutive years. She was chairman of Christian Education for many years.
SISTER
Hattie Fay Young
Educator
Awards | Recognition | Associations
She was given the honor of being named “Mother of the Church” of St. James United Methodist Church.
In 1988, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated honored her as ” Woman of the Year” in recognition for her many outstanding contributions.
She was a former member of the Women’s League, Entre Nous, Del Monico Bridge Club, Y.W.C.A., Michigan Association for Retired School Personnel, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and Church Women United of Dearborn.
“Her gentle way, her wonderful personality, her never-ending smile, will always be a beacon of light as we remember the impact she made on everyone who ever met her. Everywhere she went, there was someone who would come up to her and speak to “Mrs. Bennett.” They would always remark, “She was my FAVORITE Teacher.” -April Kimberly-Akridge Garrett.
April is Mrs. Bennett’s granddaughter. April, who was raised in her grandmother’s home in Inkster, intends to honor Mrs. Bennett’s memory by providing enriching experiences for children in Inkster, Michigan.
April wants to continue her grandmother’s legacy of providing children with experiential and educational opportunities who may not have them otherwise.
.png)
DAUGHTER
Fay Singhi V. Akridge
Educator
.png)
.png)