It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bennie Burrell. Many of you know Bennie as a house manager and peer support specialist, or from Starting Over Inc.’s Parole Board workshops. He was also a beloved father, son, friend, All Of Us or None member, Path 2 SEED Cohort 1 graduate, basketball coach, and much more.
Bennie’s kindness, sense of humor, and warm presence deeply touched all the lives that he came across. Bennie’s family was first introduced to the Starting Over Inc., while he was still incarcerated. Through the hard work of his support system, Bennie was released and welcomed into one of Starting Over Inc.’s transitional homes. He went on to become deeply involved in giving back to the community during his time at Starting Over.
Bennie was incredibly devoted to supporting other individuals and families toward release and post-release. Over the years, he facilitated over fifty Parole Board workshops, wrote hundreds of support letters, and gave endless words of encouragement to our employment and housing participants.
Bennie was a guiding light to the community and the whole team at Starting Over. He’ll be remembered by his jokes, the smell of the pork chops he’d fry up, his love for Raising Cane’s, and his numerous acts of kindness toward everyone. Bennie inspired people to believe in themselves above all, and to live their truths without shame. To honor Bennie, Starting Over will be presenting the annual Bennie Burrell Service Award to individuals who carry on Bennie’s legacy of brotherly love, care, and dedication to the community.
If you have any memories or words you would like to share about Bennie that you would like to share with the community and his family, please contact emma@startingoverinc.org.
