Anastasia 'Nana' Bennie

In Loving Memory of Anastasia Thembi “Nana” Bennie (MaRadebe) Sunrise: April 9th, 1945  Sunset: October 20th, 2025 “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25 : 23

Anastasia Thembelihle “Nana” Bennie (MaRadebe), aged 80, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on October 20th, 2025, surrounded by her SAVF COSMOS caregiving family, after a long period of ill health.

Born on April 9th, 1945, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, to Bennett and Martha (Mabaso) Radebe, she was the second-born and the last surviving of four siblings. A gifted basketball player, Anastasia was a school champion who won numerous trophies and proudly represented her school in regional tournaments.

She obtained her junior certificate from Sobantu High School in Pietermaritzburg, and went on to study nursing at King Edward Hospital in Durban, and later at Edendale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. In 1967, she married her late husband Edward Nkanyiso Bennie, and together they built a family. Over the years, she branched into retail, working her way up from Sales Lady and Credit Controller to Store Manager — a testament to her diligence and hard work. The couple was blessed with four children: Gugulethu, and the late Thula, Sabelo, and Nondumiso.

In the early 1980s, Anastasia left formal employment to assist her husband in managing their family’s General Dealer store in Bulwer, a venture later disrupted by political unrest. She re-entered the retail industry in the early 1990s and eventually retired in the late 1990s to focus on caring for her beloved grandchildren — Londeka, Lindelwa, Mpilo and Simphiwe.

In 2013, following the passing of her last son in 2012, she moved to Dawn Park, Gauteng, to be close to her younger grandchildren Teboho and Mohludi and her great-granddaughter Lilitha. Her grandchildren affectionately called her “Gogozi,” a name lovingly given by her first grandchild, Londeka.

Anastasia was known for her ever-smiling, loving, humble, and generous spirit, as well as her deep love for God, the church, and people from all walks of life. Wherever she lived, those in need were naturally drawn to her warmth. She opened her heart and home to everyone from recycling collectors and refuse workers to neighbours and the homeless. She was always ready to offer a meal, a kind word, or prayer.

She welcomed everyone warmly, often with a handshake, a compliment, or an expression of love, never missing an opportunity to share the Gospel. In the 1990s, she started and ran a Sunday School and feeding scheme for underprivileged children from the nearby Masukwana & Jika Joe informal settlements in Pietermaritzburg, a ministry she funded entirely from her own resources. She loved flowers and enjoyed floral arranging as a hobby.

She also served faithfully in her church in various roles, including the cleaning ministry and the Praise & Worship Team, where she joyfully sang and played the tambourine at Christ Embassy Pietermaritzburg. Even after joining His Word Ministries, she continued to play her tambourine from her seat, a sound and presence that left a void when her health no longer allowed her to attend services.

Edward Nkanyiso Bennie, her husband of 49 years passed away in 2016. A few years later, at age 76, she underwent a series of heart procedures, including heart-valve replacement surgery. By God’s grace, she lived several years beyond her doctors’ one-year prognosis, a true testimony to divine favour and resilience.

Her health started declining rapidly in 2020, after multiple falls that caused brain injuries. When it became clear that she required 24-hr specialised care, the family made the difficult decision to place her in a care facility, where she could receive the professional attention she needed.

In May 2024, she was admitted to the SAVF Cosmos Home for the Aged, where she was lovingly cared for by compassionate doctors, nurses, and caregivers until she peacefully went to be with her Creator. The family is deeply grateful to God for granting their prayer that she live to celebrate her 80th birthday, a joyous occasion shared with her family and the dedicated SAVF Cosmos staff who had become her extended family.

She is lovingly remembered and survived by her daughter Gugulethu, Son-in-law Chixx, grandchildren Londeka, Simphiwe, Mpilo, Teboho, and Mohludi, grandson-in-law Phanki, and great-grandchildren Lilitha, Lebo, Mahlatse, Lisa and Mpho.

Farewell “Noh,” as your late sister Nancy fondly called you. Farewell “Sis’ Nana,” as your late brothers and friends affectionately called you. Farewell “Nanana boselesele,” as your mother and nieces affectionately called you. Farewell “Gogozi,” as your grandchildren will forever remember you.

You have now crossed over to join your late husband, parents, siblings, children, granddaughter, nephews, nieces, relatives, and brothers and sisters in the Lord. May you find perfect rest in the arms of Jesus — until we meet again at His feet.