Janie Mae Benjamin Buskey

Early Life Janie Mae Benjamin Buskey, born on June 13, 1942, in St. Matthews, SC, to the late Jeff Davis Fordham and Eva Benjamin Jackson, was a woman of deep faith. Her early years were shaped by her upbringing in Orangeburg, SC, and her education at Wilkinson High School. Janie's faith was a cornerstone of her life, leading her to join Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in St. Matthews, SC, at a young age. In 1962, Janie married Frank Thirkeel Buskey Jr. They had two children: their daughter, Gwendolyn L. Buskey, and their son, Frank T. Buskey III. A New Life in Connecticut The family moved to New Haven, CT in 1966, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Janie’s life. She found employment at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in North Haven, CT, where she excelled, earning several awards during her 26-year tenure. Her ambition and dedication was further demonstrated as she pursued her education at Eli Whitney Regional Vocational Technical School, graduating in 1982 as a Surgical Technician. Janie's commitment to her profession was unwavering as she balanced her role as an Operating Room Technician at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, CT, with her job at Pratt and Whitney. During her free time, Janie engaged in a range of meaningful activities. She cherished moments spent with her children and grandchildren above all else. Janie's enthusiasm for sports was evident, particularly in her unwavering support for the Dallas Cowboys and UCONN Women's Basketball team. Bowling was another passion that played a central role in her life; she actively participated in Pratt and Whitney’s Third Shift League and the Designing Women of New Haven bowling team. Janie's commitment to bowling led her to compete in tournaments nationwide. Apart from sports, she found joy in fishing as a relaxing pastime. A Life of Service Janie's faith journey continued in New Haven, CT, where she became a Pitts Chapel Unified Freewill Baptist Church member. Her active participation in the church community was a testament to her faith and selflessness. She served on the Senior Usher Board and eventually became the president of Pitts Chapel’s Junior and Senior Usher Board. Her dedication was further evidenced by her role as head usher for the General Conference. Janie's service to the church and community was a beacon of light, inspiring those around her. She considered it a privilege to serve God both within and outside the church. Janie's roles as a foster mother, and hairdresser, were not merely occupations but a testament to her steadfast faith and profound belief in the impact of service and compassion. Until her passing, Janie remained committed to serving others. At Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael's Campus, she comforted her roommate and uplifted the spirits of her caretakers with her smile and gratitude, even while in hospice care. Celebrating a Life of Love She is survived by her son, Frank T. Buskey III, and his wife, Shawn Buskey, of East Haven, CT. Janie leaves behind five grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Jamell Buskey and his wife, Melissa Buskey, of West Haven, CT; Robert and Rayvone Buskey of New Haven, CT; Paris Buskey of Louisa, VA; and Natasha Mbiya and her husband, Francis Mbiya, of Broadway, VA. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy, and her goddaughter, Marie Staton, who she considered as her own. Janie's siblings include Martha Whetstone of North, SC; Malikah Madyun of St. Matthews, SC; Henrietta and her husband, Marvin Howell, of Orangeburg, SC; Audrey Bonaparte of Hinesville, GA; Jeff Fordham Jr. and Henry Fordham of St. Matthews, SC; and Sylvester Fordham and his wife, JoAnn Fordham, of Elloree, SC. She also leaves behind numerous relatives and friends. Janie was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, parents, sister, Della Robinson, and stepmother, Mary Ruth Fordham.

Janie Mae Benjamin Buskey

June 13, 1942 - June 16, 2024