Benito DePriest Lake, Sr.

Benito DePriest Lake, Sr. peacefully transitioned from this life at his home on February 3, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on August 31, 1933, in Bucktown, Maryland, Benito was the beloved son of the late Victoria Lake Waters and Vernon Chester, and the cherished stepson of Fred Waters. He was the devoted grandson of Monroe Lake and Leomia Dennard Lake, who lovingly reared him in a home rooted in faith, discipline, and enduring family bonds.

Benito’s life was shaped by the close-knit embrace of his aunts and uncles, who played formative roles throughout his childhood. He was affectionately called “Junior” by Oliver, Fred, Monroe (nicknamed “Money”), Hattie, and Millie Lake; Lena Lake Pinder (Kermit); Dr. Virgie Lake Camper (Stephen); Florence Lake Butler (Leonard); and Eunice Lake James (Edward). Benito was also the cousin of Attorney Edward James, Sr., and his family: Edward James, Jr. (Crystal) and their children, Edward James III and Cori James; and Rashad James (Rakenna), Nuro James, and Airo James.

For more than sixty years, Benito shared a devoted and loving marriage with his wife, Barbara Ennels Lake. He was the proud father of Ellen Bronté Lake and Benito DePriest Lake, Jr., who were the joy and purpose of his life. Through marriage, he gained five sisters-in-law and their spouses, as well as a brother-in-law, all of whom became treasured members of his extended family. He was also a cherished cousin, uncle, neighbor, and friend to many.

Benito’s faith was essential to him. As a child, he attended Bazzle AME Church, where he eventually became a lifetime supporter and Vice-President of the Bazzle Heritage Association. In later years, he became a member of New Revived United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and served as a trustee.

After graduating from F. D. St. Clair High School in 1951—the first class under the new four-year high school structure and the last class to graduate from F. D. St. Clair High School—Benito earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bowie State Teachers College in 1955. He continued his studies at Morgan State and Towson State Universities, and at the University of Maryland, College Park.

When his country called, Benito served as a medic in the United States Army and the National Guard. After receiving an honorable discharge and the Good Conduct Medal in 1962, he dedicated twenty-eight years of service to the Dorchester County Public School System as a teacher at Cordtown, Hurlock I and II (Colored) Elementary Schools, and Hurlock Middle School. He shared his interest in and knowledge of drums by teaching the drummers in the Hurlock II band.

During his youth and into his senior years, Benito enjoyed socializing with family and friends, dancing, wearing white buck Florsheim shoes, buying a new car every so often, and overindulging in a good adult beverage. He was never without his retractable key-chain belt clip, which held his many keys.

His commitment to community service was deeply influenced by his strong family values. Benito became a proud member of Elk Lodge #223, growing in the ways of serving his fellowman. In 2015, he became one of the Lake family members to receive the Governor’s Citation for the Maryland State Conservation Easement at Good Luck Farm in Bucktown, Maryland—the first Coastal Resilience Easement in the state. In 2013, he received a Dorchester County Council Proclamation establishing Lake Family Day. He was also a founding member of B4 Legacy Group, LLC, with his children, Bronté and Benito, Jr. In 1998, Benito received a Certificate of Appreciation from Christ Rock United Methodist Church Women, and in 2001, he received the Business Week Award from the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

Benito’s responsibilities also included being a farmer, a manager of rental property, a manager and operator of charter bus transportation, and a Dorchester County school bus contractor. He was the beloved driver of school buses #60 and #62.

Benito was blessed with ninety-two meaningful years defined by service, humility, humor, and love for family and community. In addition to his parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts, Benito was preceded in death by his in-laws: Roy and Estella Ennels, Aurilla and Fred Locust, Clifton Green, James Thornton, Jerome McLean, Sylvia Jones; and his nephew, Rodney Jones, Sr.

Benito is survived by his wife, Barbara Ennels Lake; children, Ellen Bronté Lake and Benito DePriest Lake, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Hattie Ennels Green, Edna Ennels Thornton, and Gloria Ennels McLean; and brothers-in-law, Paul Jones and Jerome Michael Ennels. He was the adored uncle who provided sweet treats to nieces Lisa Thornton-Angelety and Stephanie Green-Fitzhugh; nephews André Thornton and Vaughn Jones; great-nieces Lea Jones, Lauren Angelety, Chelsea Jones, Allaina Fitzhugh, Andrea Thornton, and Ava Jones; great-nephews Rodney Jones II, Darius Jones, Sterling Fitzhugh, and Derrick Anderson; and great-great-nephew Amarion Jones. Benito also leaves a host of family and friends to cherish his memory.

Benito was lovingly cared for by a dedicated group of caregivers over the past five years: Roderick Brummell, Randall Cannon, Saniya Ennels, Lakeisha Hankins, Alice Hubbard, Menya Major, Christine Reveron, Johanny Rodriguez, Esmeralda Sullivan, and LaDaja White. Their compassion and support brought great comfort during Mr. Lake’s time at home. Our family is forever grateful for the kindness they extended to him each and every day.