Natalie V.C. Benson

Natalie Vanessa Carter Benson was born on September 7th, 1962 at George Washington Hospital Center in Washington D.C. She was the second of three children: Joseph Henry Carter, Jr. the III; Herself and; Tanya Rosetta Carter Hazelworth. She was born to Mrs. Janave Hill Carter and Mr. Joseph Henry Carter, Jr. the II. She was also the wife of Rev. Dr. Stephen Eugene Benson.

Natalie V. Carter, being one of the most talented alto singers in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan, area, has sung with the infamous Heritage Signature Chorale, conducted by Mr. Stanley Thurston. She has sung abroad with the Chorale, singing as a soloist both here in the states and abroad.

One of her proudest moments was being asked to sing in Barbados as the representative for the Inauguration of President Barak Obama. Singing American Negro spirituals and work songs, she wooed the crowd and was given standing ovations.

Natalie received a Bachelor of Music and Arts degree from Greensboro College, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Afterwards she pursued graduate studies at Peabody Conservatory. Natalie started her musical career with Alfred Bunton from Israel Methodist Church at 12 years old.

The majority of her secular career was working for Finnegan Patent Law Firm, where she served as a Patent Law secretary. She also found a way to perform yearly with the choir from Finnegan singing Christmas carols and other musical works.

Her spiritual life consisted of serving the Lord through many churches in the area. Namely, Berean Baptist Church, Israel Methodist Episcopal Church, and Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church. She has participated in many seasonal productions held at these wonderful churches.

Natalie Vanessa Carter was a product of D.C. public schools: Calvin Coolidge Highschool, Cromwell Academy, as well as participating in the Lynn’s Dance Workshop. Natalie was also a member in some R&B, Rock bands. Two of which were named “Caprice”, and “Jay Johnson and Friends”. Her gospel bands were “Friends in Christ”, and “One Accord”.

At Berean, she has participated and led the Music Ministry since she was 17 years old. Leading the choir, singing in the choir, assisting the Pastor in musical administration was her love. Serving the Lord has been her passion. My baby will be missed-but my loves’ legacy lives on.

She is survived by her loving God daughter Madeline Faulkner, Loving Mother Mrs. Janave Carter, Husband Stephen Benson, Cousins Dre’ and Donnice Wynn Liquorish, Gregory Wynn, Aunt Dorquis Wynn, and a host of Uncles, Aunts and relatives; Best friends Danrell Williams, Joe Hickey, Darrell Parks, Kirk Bell, and Big brother Mike Hillman, Baby sister Michelle, and Big sister Karen Hall.      

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