Terae R. Benjamin

The Funeral services celebrating the life of Terae Benjamin, 50, of Davenport, Iowa, and recently of Gary, Indiana, will begin with visitation at 9am on Friday July 17, 2026 at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. The homegoing service will begin at 10:30am. Burial will be in Oakdale Memorial Gardens, Davenport, Iowa. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Ms. Benjamin passed away unexpectedly on Sunday June 28, 2026, at Northwest Health-Porter, Valparaiso, Indiana.

Terae Rochelle Benjamin was born December 25, 1975 in Moline, Illinois to Sam and Betty (Washington) Benjamin. She was a graduate of Davenport North, class of 1994 and then earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree.

Terae was a nurse for 28 years and worked in several fields including cardiac, hospice, and administration. She started her nursing career locally at Genesis East and was currently working at Holy Cross Hospital Chicago, Illinois. Terae dedicated her career to caring for others with kindness, skill, and genuine compassion. Whether comforting a patient, encouraging a friend, or offering wisdom to a loved one, she possessed a rare gift for making people feel heard, valued, and cared for. She approached every challenge with optimism, always searching for solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.

Known for her impeccable sense of style, she was effortlessly classy, fashionable, and often a trendsetter among family and friends. She embraced life with confidence and elegance while remaining warm, approachable, and generous. A true "girly girl," she delighted in the little things that brought beauty and joy to everyday life. She also enjoyed unwinding with a good book or video games, proving that her interests were as varied and vibrant as her personality.

Music was never far from her heart. Terae was an accomplished musician who played both the clarinet and bassoon, and music became one of the many ways she expressed herself. Long before that, she was a cheerleader who loved to dance, and that joyful spirit never really left her. She could light up a room with her energy and enthusiasm.

As the matriarch of her family, Terae was the heart that held everyone together. She believed relationships deserved to be nurtured and made it a priority to stay connected with family and friends through thoughtful conversations, encouraging words, and regular check-ins.

Her generosity knew no bounds. She freely shared her time, her wisdom, and her heart, always putting others before herself. She celebrated the successes of those she loved, offered reassurance during difficult times, and inspired others to live with purpose, kindness, and grace.

Above every accomplishment and every passion, the role she treasured most was being a mother. Her children were the center of her world and the greatest joy of her life. She poured endless love, guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support into her family, creating a legacy of strength, compassion, and unconditional love that will continue for generations.

Those left to carry her memory include her sons Keevan Garrett and Christian Pierre of Gary, Indiana, her father Sam Benjamin of Davenport Iowa; sisters Pamela Hutchins of Des Moines, Iowa and Robin Washington of Davenport, Iowa. Brother Patrick Shivers of Des Moines, Iowa; five uncles; two aunts; and was adored by her special nieces, nephews, and cousins including Tiana Washington, Dominque Hutchins, Jamila Haymon, and Shasneke Martin.

Terae was preceded in death by her mother Betty Benjamin, sister Sonya Harris, brother Samuel Washington, and grandmother Mary Beth Hall.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.