Obituary

Visitation
Saturday, September 20, 2025
9:30a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Shiloh Baptist Church
1124 N. M.L.K. Jr Blvd,
Tulsa, OK 74106

Funeral Service
Saturday, September 20, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Shiloh Baptist Church
1124 N. M.L.K. Jr Blvd,
Tulsa, OK 74106

LiveStream:
https://www.facebook.com/shiloh.baptist.church.297774/videos?locale=es_LA

Final Resting Place
Rolling Oaks Memorial Gardens
Tulsa, OK

Obituary for Rev. Erskine Thomas Bennett
On August 15, 1949, in Paducah, Kentucky, a beautiful baby boy was born to John Thomas and Lillie Mae Bennett. They lovingly named him Erskine Thomas Bennett.
Today we gather to celebrate and honor the life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend.
Erskine was the third child and only son in his family, growing up with two sisters who cherished him dearly. From an early age, he brought joy and laughter into the Bennett home. He attended Brazelton Middle School and St. Mary High School, where his love for basketball grew strong. As captain of the basketball team, he led with skill and heart, earning numerous awards and the respect of his teammates.
As a boy, Erskine enjoyed tennis, bowling, and riding his bicycle—activities that showed his competitive spirit and love for staying active. After high school, he continued his passion for basketball on a scholarship at Knoxville College in Tennessee. He studied there for one year before enlisting in the United States Navy on October 23, 1968, serving faithfully for six years. His time in the Navy shaped a discipline, strength of character, and commitment to others that marked his life forever.
In 1972, Erskine met the love of his life, Diane Horton. They liked to tease each other about where it all began—he swore it was at a basketball game, she insisted it was at work—but what mattered most was that God had clearly written their love story. They were married on December 29, 1973, beginning a union that would last more than 50 years. Together, they built a life rich with love and adventure. They traveled to Florida, California, Georgia, New Orleans, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Jamaica, and many other places, each journey adding another chapter to their shared story. In 1980, they purchased their first home, filling it with love, faith, and the presence of God. Though doctors told them children were not possible, Erskine and Diane never stopped believing. For twelve years they prayed and trusted God.
On July 21, 1985, Erskine was licensed to preach at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in South Fulton, Tennessee, under Rev. Leroy Brent. Soon after, he and Diane felt led by God to relocate to Tulsa, Oklahoma. That same year, while preparing for this new season of ministry, God performed a miracle. On October 28, 1985, they welcomed their first daughter, Janet Gabrielle—a joyful child who filled their home with love and laughter.On October 3, 1988, the Lord called Janet back home. Though their hearts broke, Erskine and Diane held tightly to their faith, trusting that God was still writing their story.
And indeed He was. In 1991, they were blessed with Tiffany LeAnn, followed by John Isaac Erskine in 1993, and Caroline Nicole in 1994. Erskine often said, “God gave us one angel and called her back home, and then He sent us three more.”
On October 30, 1994, Erskine was ordained at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church under Dr. Reverend Nash, serving first as Associate Pastor. Soon after, from 1994 to 1997, he was called to serve as Pastor of Greater Mount Zion. During his early leadership, he oversaw meaningful improvements to the church home—remodeling the sanctuary and kitchen, installing central air, new carpet, and cabinets—always with the vision of creating a house of worship that was both comfortable and welcoming for the people of God.
In the years that followed, Rev. Bennett continued to serve faithfully at St. Andrew Baptist Church under Dr. Bertrand M. Bailey Sr. and at Agape Bible Fellowship under Dr. Terry Buxton. Then in June 2018, God brought his journey full circle when he was installed once again as Pastor of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church. It was a role he embraced with love and humility, and he poured his heart into shepherding the congregation he cherished.
To know Erskine was to know a storyteller. He had a gift for words that made people laugh, think, reflect, and straighten up—quick! He often reminded others to always carry with them:
A joke to tell
A story to share
A song to sing
Outside the pulpit in his later years, Erskine enjoyed working out and playing chess—sometimes with friends, sometimes against strangers, and even against the computer. He was just that good. Erskine found joy both in the strategy of the game and in the fellowship it brought.
He also loved the quiet, thoughtful side of life. He enjoyed reading books that fed both his mind and his spirit, and he found fulfillment in writing, pouring his thoughts, wisdom, and faith onto paper.
But above everything else, there was nothing more important to Erskine than family. He believed deeply in instilling in his children the values of loving and supporting one another, no matter what. He was a firm believer in family time and found countless ways to show it—but the most remarkable was simply being present. He truly delighted in supporting his children in everything they did, celebrating their achievements, encouraging their dreams, and being their greatest cheerleader.
For 51 years, Erskine and Diane cherished the joy of simply being together. Sometimes that looked like their tradition of Friday night date nights—going out to dinner, watching action movies, eating homemade popcorn or enjoying a comedy club. Other times it was quieter moments, like sitting on the porch and taking walks. One thing Erskine never stopped doing was dating his wife. Their love stood as a reflection of God’s faithfulness, carrying them through every season of life, right up until the Lord called him home.
On September 10, 2025, Rev. Erskine Bennett finished his earthly race and began his eternal life. He was preceded in death by his daughter Janet, his parents John Thomas and Lillie Mae Bennett, and his sisters Faye and Paulette.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 51 years, Diane Bennett; children Tiffany, Isaac, and Caroline; granddaughter Nyla, all of Tulsa; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church members, and friends across Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Texas, Louisiana, and many other places where his life and ministry left a mark.
Nieces and Nephews:
Father’s side: Rebecca Mueller and Regina Moredock (Indiana); Gwen Monk-Lewis and son, and Helen Faye Marshall and children (Texas); Glen Monk and children (Louisianna).Mother’s side: Etta Walker and daughter and Gail Garmon and son (Tennessee); Vangie and Vernell Tharp and son (Kentucky); Sharon and George Garmon and children (Tennessee); Courtney & Vonnette Horton and children (Tennessee).Rev. Bennett’s legacy is one of faith, family, and love. His life was a testimony that with God, all things are possible.
“To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done.”