Phyllis Aka "P.J." Benton

P.J. Benton Charlotte-Mrs. P.J. Benton, 68 passed suddenly, May 26, 2013, at Carolina Medical Center Pineville, in Charlotte, NC. She was born January 4, 1945 in Plant City, Florida to the late Mrs. Doris B. Jones and Mr. Henry Joyner; Reared by her loving mom and dad, Mr. & Mrs. Edward and Francis Carswell. Mrs. Benton possessed great business acumen and was a pioneer businesswoman since 1984. She ventured out of the corporate world into entrepreneurship, after a ten year career with Southern Bell Telephone; where she was responsible for hiring, promotion and transfer of approximately 10,000 employees. She opened her first restaurant, a McDonald’s franchise in St. Petersburg, Florida; acquired a second McDonald’s restaurant. Both successfully operated stores; provided employment and professional training for both youth and adults. Mrs. Benton was highly respected by the community, McDonald’s family, and the restaurant industry. She subsequently relocated to Charlotte, NC, to open several Checkers’ restaurants. However, her bid and award on Pizza Hut Restaurant, at the Charlotte-Douglas International airport (CDIA); became the gateway to her new business model and continued growth and prosperity. Mrs. Benton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PJJD Enterprises, Inc. operated three quick service establishments in CDIA under the umbrella of P.J.J.D. Enterprises, Inc. Papa John’s, Salsarita’s and Einstein Bros Bagel. Her other interest include Burger King, Papa John’s, Bijoux Terner and Sunglass International in Tampa International Airport; a Joint Venture with HMS Host in Jacksonville International Airport to operate a Freshens, Quiznos, and Sbarro’s; and in Orlando International Airport to operate Sunglass International; and in Southwest Florida International Airport to operate a Shula’s Bar & Grill, Burger King, Starbucks, Great American Bagel, Quiznos, Nathan’s Hot Dogs and several non-branded outlets. Under Mrs. Benton and daughter Deitra’s (Deceased) leadership, P.J.J.D. Enterprises and affiliate companies expanded exponentially to include ownership in approximately (20) twenty food and retail brands; located in (5) five airports in the United States. P.J.J.D. is certified as an ACDBE in North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida. Mrs. Benton’s life influenced others throughout the United States, Florida and North Carolina communities. Her love for God and people; moved her to give generously of herself and resources, through membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), NAACP, Emerging Scholar Mentoring Program, Florida A&M Alumni Association, “Table Talk” The Park Church; and she provided consultation services to the Ebony Scholars Program in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was recognized in the business and civic communities with awards such as: 2011 Special Recognition by UNCF, 2010 Thurgood Marshall Award, 2009 Florida A&M University School of Business & Industry Hall of Fame Inductee (The Inaugural Class), 2008 Black Expo Small Business Person of the Year Award, 2008-2007 Cinnabon Pace Setter’s Award, 2007 Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Award, 2007 Dr. Carter G. Woodson Legend Award. Mrs. Benton graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry with a B.S. Degree in Accounting. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 20 years, J. Eugene Danzey, May 29, 2012, youngest child and business partner, Deitra M. Benton, June 10, 2010, eldest child, Erroll M. Johnson, October 31, 2006. Mrs. Benton is survived by her devoted and loving sons, Keith “Andre” Johnson (Sherry), Jacksonville, Fl, Frank D. Johnson, Frankfurt, Germany, step daughter, Valorie Danzey Garner, Memphis, Tn., step-son Michael E. Danzey, Tampa, Fl, five grandchildren Jacquelienne Johnson, Chicago, Ill., Kiara Johnson, Analisa Johnson, Lavender Johnson and Matthew Johnson, all of Tampa, Fl.; Sisters Sonja Bexley, Tampa, Fl., Valda Browning (Johnnie), Tampa, Fl., Claretha Davis, Clearwater, Fl., Useeth Davis (Michael), Baton Rouge, La., Renee Y. Jones, Charlotte, NC, Arthenia L. Joyner, Florida State Senator District 18, and Ms. Pinkey Mae Riley, Sanford, Fl., Special Sister-Jackie Ford (Kelvin), Charlotte, NC and Rev. Dr. Barbara Peacock (Gilbert) Charlotte, NC. Brothers Mr. William “Billy” Adams (Doretha), Plant City, Fl., Dr. Ricardo T. Jones, (Edgewater, Md.),Mr. Rudolph R. Jones (Rosemary), Charlotte, NC, Mr. Booker Joyner (Brenda), Tampa, Fl., Mr. J. C. Joyner, Lakeland, Fl. Special Brothers: Patrick Canon(Trenna), Mayor Pro Tem, Charlotte, NC, Goliath Davis (Teresa), St. Petersburg, Fl., Dr. Frederic Guerrier, St. Petersburg, Fl., Johnny Taylor, Washington, DC, Lanny Sumpter (Brenda), Tampa, Fl., a host of nieces, nephews, acquaintances, business associates and dear friends. Mrs. Benton was a businesswoman of the highest magnitude, loving mother and caring friend. Words cannot begin to express the depth of loss to her family, friends and community. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 11:00 am-Viewing from 9- 10:30am at The Park Church South Charlotte 13733 Lancaster Highway-Pineville, NC 28134-(704)-392-1681. The family will receive friends Friday, June 7, 2013 Public Viewing 4-7pm-Alexander Funeral Home-1424 Statesville Avenue- Charlotte, NC 28206 (704)-333-1164/1167. Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 11:00am-Allen Chapel AME -1109 E. Laura St. Plant City, Fl 33566. In Lieu of Flowers, please make contributions to: P.J. and Deitra M. Benton Scholarship Fund-C/O Florida A&M University Foundation, Inc.-P.O. Box 6562-Tallahassee, FL 32314.