Valon N. Benjamin, of Gulfport, Mississippi departed this life at the young age of 27. She was a vibrant young lady who could always be found greeting those she encountered with a smile that would warm not just one's heart but the whole room. She was a member of True Deliverance Outreach Ministries in Gulfport, Mississippi where she gave of her time and talents through the Youth Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry, Praise and Worship Team and in other ways. She truly had a great passion for youth and the community at-large.

She was a 2011 graduate of Harrison Central High School. She graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where she received dual Associate's Degrees in Art and Science. Valon was a certified Phlebotomy Technician and was currently a student at William Carey College where she was working towards her bachelor's degree in Heath Information Management.

Although Valon's life was one in which she faced health challenges, she found her purpose by being an advocate for others. She was a Patient Advocate and helped to form the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation of the Gulf Coast and worked with other advocacy organizations that assisted those with disabilities. She was also a board member of the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation. Because of her devoted time and love, many will continue to receive the benefits of Valon's work for years to come.

Valon loved and adored her family and friends and they all will truly miss her. She leaves her parents, Emelda Yvonne and Bennie Benjamin, Jr.; two sisters, Victoria (Ahmad) Evans, Vianna Benjamin; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will continue to carry on her legacy by supporting the organizations in which Valon loved and cherished.