Bennye Douglas

Bennye Douglas, born April 21, 1943, in Chesterfield County, Pageland, South Carolina, was the beloved daughter of Jessie and Mary Lee McNair, the youngest of 15 children. The McNair family were entrepreneurs, owning a grocery store, dance hall and grew crops to service their community.

Bennye graduated from Petersburg High School in 1960, proudly serving as valedictorian and president of her senior class. In 1964, she earned her bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Spanish from Fayetteville State College in Fayetteville, North Carolina. During her time there, she met Charles Douglas, who would become her loving husband of 60 years. Together, they raised two daughters, Devonne “Dee Dee” Douglas and Dawn Nicole “Nicole” Douglas.

When Charles joined the United States Air Force, the family embraced the life of military travel. Their journey took them to many bases including Patrick Air Force Base in Satellite Beach, Florida, and Hickam Air Force Base in Oahu, Hawaii, before putting down roots at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1977.

Bennye worked in the Albuquerque Public School system before finding her permanent home at Polk Middle School in 1979, where she taught Language Arts. She quickly became a beloved and unforgettable presence—loved by her students, respected by her colleagues, and cherished by the many lifelong friends she made during her 23-year career. She retired in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and educational dedication.

A woman of many talents, Bennye enjoyed reading romance novels, solving crossword puzzles, sewing, and playing the piano. But her true passion was singing. Music was woven throughout her life and family—together they sang, played instruments, and even won first place in USAF Family Talent competitions.

Bennye was a proud and endlessly supportive mother. She celebrated her daughters’ accomplishments, independence, and love of travel. The Douglas girls made annual trips to places including Charleston, Boston, New York, Switzerland, London, and France. Bennye spoke joyfully about their adventures and achievements to anyone who would listen—especially her church family at New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church.

Faith anchored Bennye’s life. She joined New Hope when the church was located on Texas Street and remained a steadfast member for more than 45 years as it grew into New Hope Missionary and later New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church. She served joyfully in the choir as both a singer and director, using her voice to honor God. Bennye also lent her musical gifts to the Albuquerque Mass Choir and was a Co-Founder of The New Mexico Mass Choir.

Bennye will be lovingly remembered for her humor, warmth, sneakiness, sociability, dedication, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her laughter and spirit brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. Though deeply missed, she now sings joyfully in God’s heavenly choir.

Bennye is survived by her husband Charles, daughters Devonne and Nicole, sister Johnsie Huntley, brother Lyvoid McNair, and a clan of cousins, nieces, and nephews.