Late Lady Tonyia Benton
Family
Tonyia Benton lived a life dedicated to service. She impacted others as a speaker, educator, evangelist, freelance writer, pastor’s wife, and mother. Lady Benton was a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, born to Isaac J. Fairley Jr. and Wanda Fairley-Woods on September 21, 1969. She married her best friend, Bishop Antonnio C. Benton, and they have four children (Antonnio Benton II, Timothy Benton, Alyssa Benton, and Christian Benton).
Ministry
At 18 years old, Lady Benton accepted her call into ministry, received the license to preach at age 27, and was ordained several years later. She served as an assistant Pastor at Mt. Carmel Ministries for several years. She was in charge of the music ministry for nearly two decades, served as the Young Adult Ministry (YAM) pastor, and facilitated Bible studies on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Due to her efforts, many young college students were saved, delivered, and received their callings during this era.
Lady Benton partnered with her husband as Pastors of Salem Missionary Baptist
Church in Paulding, Mississippi. Later their roles at Salem Baptist Church would shift to Senior Pastors as they relocated to Arlington, Texas, in 2014 to begin building the International City of Light Ministries.
Lady Benton operated under a prophetic mantle impacting lives as a powerful evangelist with the gift of wisdom and word of knowledge. Over the years, she was a catalyst that empowered countless women through the power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit. Lady Benton and her husband ministered to married couples, leading and guiding them to healing and restoration.
Lady Benton served as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NAACP, and Sigma Tau Delta, which is a National English Honor Society. Evangelist Benton enjoyed creating and coordinating pageants for young ladies to exhibit their talents, gifts, abilities, and dreams. She also developed several clinics for young ladies, including the following: Charm Clinics, Self-Esteem Clinics, Interview Awareness Clinics, Hair and Make-Up Clinics, and Spiritual Clinics. Her love for children and young adults is immeasurable.
Educator
Lady Benton was an English Professor at Tarrant County College in Arlington, Texas. At the college, she served in the following capacities: co-sponsor for Sigma Kappa Delta, National English Honor Society, Dual Credit Orientation Committee, Work Team for Early College High School, Work Team for Embedded Faculty, Presenter for Dual Credit Faculty, and the Poetry Committee. Past experiences as an educator included the following: Professor at Pearl River Community College (PRCC), where she served as the chair of the Developmental Education Committee and on the Professional Development Committee. Lady Benton was an advisor for PRCC Gospel Choir, guiding young college students that loved the Lord and ministered in song and praise dance. At Brightwood College, she taught English and Communication and served as the Learning Center Facilitator. Her extensive experience also included serving as a principal at Alpha Christian School for over 11 years. Alpha Christian School was birthed at Mount Carmel Ministries, where she served as the Assistant Pastor.
Education/Affiliations
Lady Benton earned several degrees over the years. In 1991, she received her B.S Degree in Speech Pathology/Audiology from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM); in 1997, a Master’s Degree in English; in 2000, a Master’s Degree in Education Administration; and in 2012, a Specialist in Higher Education Administration. She is the author of one book entitled, Whose Shoulders Are You Standing On?
​
Promoted to Glory
Lady Benton was promoted to glory, October 17, 2021. In honor of her, please consider donating to The Tonyia Benton Scholarship.