Benita Gayle Pratt, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at the age of 70. Benita was born on January 31, 1956, to the late Christine Pratt and B. C. Pratt, Jr. She was raised with love and surrounded by family, including her stepmother, Doretha Pratt. Shortly after graduating from high school, Benita began her career with the City of Tampa, where she served in various capacities for more than twenty years. She later embarked on a second career as a public-school teacher, dedicating nearly ten years to the Hillsborough County School District. After a lifetime of service to her community and the children she taught, Benita recently retired.

Benita will be remembered for her warmth, her inviting personality, and the genuine love she showed to everyone around her. She had a special gift for making people feel welcome and valued. Above all, Benita’s life was centered around her family. She cherished her children and grandchildren and took great joy in watching her family grow through the years. Her faith was also an important part of her life. Benita was actively involved in her church and especially loved attending Bible studies. Her love for Scripture and fellowship with others brought her great joy and strengthened the many relationships she treasured. Benita leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and devotion.

She is survived by her daughter, Tanisha Lawson, and her son, Willie (Tamika) Lawson. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Kayla (Roy) Girton, Joseph Barr IV (Gina DeJesus), Landon Lawson, Amaya Lawson, and Bryton Lawson; and her great- grandchildren, Royce Girton and Joseph “Cinco” Barr V. Benita is also survived by her siblings: Bruce (Ethel) Francis, Charlie (Claudia) Pratt, Gladys (Hollie) Williams, Verdya (Milton) Bradley, Vicki (Knotty) Boone, Cecilia (Derwin) Black, Amelia Hall, and John Hall. She leaves behind many beloved aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Though Benita is no longer with us, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on through the generations she loved so dearly.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.

Please send flowers to: Bay Area Church of God - 3905 Orange Street, Mango, Fl., 33550 for the service