Bennie M. Reed Rayford was born to Bernard Reed and Sarah Owens Reed in Monticello, Arkansas on November 15, 1931.  Bennie was the middle child of three daughters, Bessie L. Green and, Bobbie Lee Dixon. She was preceded her in death by both parents, her sisters and a son, Rickey Allen Rayford.

Bennie grew to establish a relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. Her love for the Lord was nurtured and developed at Morning Star Second Baptist Church in Monticello, AR.

Bennie attended Drew High School in Monticello. During high school Bennie was active in track and basketball.  She enjoyed cooking and learning new recipes, which her family and friends immensely enjoyed in the years to come.

Having never left the state of Arkansas, after graduating from high school in 1949, at the age of 17, Bennie took a leap of faith and left the only home she knew in Monticello. Holding on to God's unchanging hand, she travelled to Kansas City, MO with hope in her heart for a better life.

Bennie was married to Paul Rayford, Jr., a hard-working family man and believer in Christ. Bennie warmly referenced to Paul as, "The Love of My Life."

She united with Friendship Baptist Church where she served as an Usher. As an usher, Bennie was active with the On-Call Committee, Usher Retreats, and Tea and Brunch Social. Bennie was an Usher Anniversary Captain.

She was a member of James Sheepfold. She attended Adult Sunday School Class Number 10, 7, and 5 and served as Sunday School Secretary for a number of years. Bennie was a devoted member of Wednesday Prayer Meeting and Bible Study. She had a passion for giving and was a long standing member of Cheerful Helpers.

Bennie was employed at Western Electric (AT&T/Nokia) in Lee's Summit before retiring in 1989. Amongst her co-workers she was affectionately referred to as Aunt Sweets. She was given this name of endearment due to her kind demeanor and unyielding fondness for cakes, cookies, and confections.

Bennie was a reliable and dedicated volunteer poll worker, serving her surrounding community for countless years.  On May 8, 2021, God called his dear Bennie home.

She leaves to mourn her passing:, two sons, Kenneth G. Rayford (Lisa)] and Paul G. Rayford; one daughter, Paula A. Fairley; two grandsons, Rickey Allen Cal and JaWaun C. Rayford, four granddaughters, Benetta E. (Fairley) Johnson (Merrell), Jacqueline A. Fairley, Tilisa S. Rayford, Sabirah Rayford; five great-grandsons, Danjeal G. Rayford, Rickey Allen Cal, Jr., Aaron Rayford, Malcolm A. Johnson, and Miles A. Johnson; a great-granddaughter, Z-Aire C. Rayford, a very dear and special cousin, Helen Wade; beloved and cherished niece, Sheila (Dixon) Garrett, lifelong sister-friend, Becky Whittaker and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, relatives, and countless friends.

Services for Mrs. Rayford will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Friendship Baptist Church.  Burial Leavenworth National Cemetery.  Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until service time Wednesday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL.