Jay Allen Bennett “Rhakeem”, 60 of Decatur GA and previously of Poughkeepsie, NY passed away on February 6, 2021 in Georgia.
Born on November 29, 1960 in Poughkeepsie, NY he was the son of the late Eli Lewis and Mary Ann Bennett-Webb. He was educated in the Poughkeepsie City School District and a 1996 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
He was employed by Turner Broadcasting (TBS) Atlanta GA, and owner and operator of Jumpin Beanz Inflatable Rentals which he started with his wife in 2007. Rhakeem started his journey with Kelly Chambers in 1986. They were married in 1992 in Poughkeepsie. In 1997 they relocated to Decatur, GA.
He was the neighbor that would mow the lawn at 7am on a Saturday while blasting Wu-Tang Clan through the garage speakers. Music was always on in his house. He was not afraid to sing at the top of his lungs or try to harmonize with his wife. He didn’t always sound so good, but you couldn’t tell him that. He enjoyed vacationing and was always planning the next trip. He took great pride in his flower and vegetable gardens.
He hosted weekly Sunday dinners for family and anyone that stopped by as soon as there was a crowd, karaoke would commence. He was a sports fanatic. He rooted for any NY team and would challenge in a debate with anyone who disagreed. He loved fishing and playing candy crush. He was a great listener and even a better problem solver.
He was helpful around the house. He didn’t mind doing the laundry and would happily vacuum if asked. His favorite household chore was going grocery shopping. He never met a BOGO he didn’t like. An acquaintance always became a friend. He was happy, kind, loved by many and will be missed.
Besides his wife, Kelly Chambers-Bennett he is survived by his children, Ashanta Bennett -Williams (Jazzmin) of Poughkeepsie, Precious Bennett Joshua of Poughkeepsie, Okia Powers of Decatur GA. His siblings Merritt Featherston of Poughkeepsie, Corey Webb (Jennifer) of New Paltz, Katisha Webb of Tampa FL. Kevin Webb of Poughkeepsie, Kanika Ruffin of Poughkeepsie, Shari Plass (Jim) of Poughkeepsie and Marc Lewis (Renee) of Poughkeepsie 6 grandchildren Nazir, Ma’kiyah, Na’Riah, Zalif, Cartier and Empire.
2 great granddaughters, Melanie and Nallani, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved dog and hang out partner Miss Lulu Bennett.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his stepfather Clem Webb, sister Jan Bennett, brothers Evan Webb and Barry Lewis. A Memorial Service is Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 11AM – 1PM at the Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home Inc. 39 So Hamilton St Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-452-1840. To send online condolences visit www.darrowfuneralhome.org
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Jay Bennett, please visit our floral store.