Earl Powell Benn Jr., affectionately known as Duke was born March 9, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio and went home to be with the Lord on September 16, 2024. Earl was born to Bessie Powell Benn and Earl Powell Sr. He was raised by his stepfather Nathaniel Benn.

Earl attended St. Agatha- St. Aloysius Catholic School for primary school and graduated from Villa Angela- St. Joseph High School. He continued his studies at San Diego State University. He was raised Catholic and converted to Christianity as an adult. He attended Cleveland Church of Christ.

Earl loved his job as a security officer at The Country Club where he worked for 20 years. Earl was a very intelligent man on so many levels and a prime-time negotiator (LOL). He didn’t like to be bored, which was reflected in his multiple trade/side jobs from landscaping, painting, photography and even a short time of being a comedian. He loved to make people laugh. Even when he was nervous, he would tell a joke. Yes, some jokes were corny, but we would crack up laughing anyway. Earl modeled and was one of the flyest guys to ever do it. He stayed sharp from his head down to his feet. Earl loved traveling, hand dancing and spending time with his family and friends. Baking apple pies and barbequing ribs was his thing. His treasured memories were going to the derby every year.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents Bessie Powell Benn, Earl Powell Sr., and Nathaniel Benn.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Jocelyn Williams, Children: La’Toya Kirkland, Rafielle Kirkland, Brandon Kirkland, Darnell Benn and Mercedes Benn, Bonus Children; Derrick, Jarvis and Joylyn, a host of Grandchildren, one great grandchild, brothers and sisters Nathaniel Benn Jr (Cheryl), Sherry Benn and Joey Freeman, close Cousin Reggie Jolly, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

To know him was to simply love Duke, and we were touched by him in many ways. He’ll be truly and deeply missed until we meet again!