Sis. Ikoza "Dot" M. (Thomas) Bennett

Ikoza “Dot” Thomas was born on December 4, 1924, in Gonzales County, Texas, to the late Hermie and Gladys Harris Thomas. She was the third child born to this union. She attended Wells school in Gonzales County. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. Ikoza was involved in church from her childhood years.

As a young adult, Ikoza moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. Shortly after relocating, she joined St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Shelton Hall. After Reverend Hall’s tenure, Reverend Harold T. Branch served as pastor.

In 1963, Reverend Branch united her in holy matrimony to Rev. E. F. Bennett and served as First Lady of the following churches: Second Baptist Church, El Paso, Texas; Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Robstown, Texas; May 1971 to 1987, Mt. Pilgrim in Refugio, Texas, where she held other various positions.

Sister Ikoza Bennett was a strong mentor to the young men and women, teaching them to honor God and do good. To love their spouse and children, live wisely, be pure, and to support their families. Throughout her life, she kept the peace and encouraged everyone to strive for integrity and love everyone. Family was very important to her ministry.

Sister Bennett moved her membership to Rising Star Baptist Church, with her husband serving as associate minister under the leadership of Reverend Mark Stewart, where she continued to serve until her death.

On April 8, 2022, the trumpet sounded and Sister Ikoza “Dot” Bennett answered the call. Ikoza was welcomed by those who preceded her in death: her husband of 48 years, Reverend E. F. Bennett, Sr.; parents, Hermie and Gladys Thomas; son, Bilvy J. Satterwhite, Sr.; three sisters, Lucille Coleman (Claude), Maude S. Stewart (Warren), and Joyce Barnes (Claude Lee); four brothers, Charlie Thomas (Hallie), Jack Thomas (Mary), Tommy Thomas, Sr., (Charlesetta) and Sammie J. Thomas; and sister-in-law, Joy Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her memory: ten grandchildren; six grandsons, Donald Williams of Houston, Texas, Bilvy J. Satterwhite II of Austin, Texas, Anthony Satterwhite of Corpus Christi, Texas, Winston Satterwhite of Dallas, Texas, King Satterwhite of Corpus Christi, Texas, Fredrick McGee of San Antonio, Texas; four granddaughters, Andrea Satterwhite of Atlanta, Georgia, Sheila Woodson of Baltimore, Maryland, Breanne Satterwhite Smith of New Mexico, and Keeanna Cage, of the Kileen/Waco, Texas area; three goddaughters, Renae Milton and Jill White Haynes, both of Houston, Texas, and Dr. Patricia Davis of El Paso, Texas; one sister, Dorothy Nell Thomas of Dallas, Texas; one brother, Ellis Thomas of Corpus Christi, Texas; one sister-in-law, Cornelia Thomas of Corpus Christi, Texas; she also leaves 19 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great- grandchildren, 4 great-great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Although we will miss Ikoza “Dot” Bennett dearly, the wonderful memories we created with her will forever remain in our hearts.