Napoleon O Benoit

Napoleon Oneal Benoit, affectionately known as Nap, Big Nap, OG Nap, and Reno, was born on April 23, 1936 to Ora Malishane and Charles Benoit in New Orleans, LA. Due to the untimely death of his mother, he was reared by his maternal aunt, Alberta Clifford, alongside his beloved cousin Theodora “Patty” Clifford and Jessie Montgomery. He had one older brother, Charles Benoit Jr. Napoleon graduated from Walter L. Cohen High School in 1954, where he was an All City and All State defensive end. He went on to graduate from Dillard University and continued to excel, earning an All Conference Award. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Physical Education in 1960. While at Dillard, he was initiated into the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 1958. He. After graduation, he joined the U.S Army where he served as a military policeman for two years. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1962. He subsequently enrolled at Tulane University School of Social Work where he received a Masters in Social Work in 1971. In 1972, he obtained his certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Napoleon began his career working for Orleans Parish School Board and the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court System. Afterward, he went to work with Total Community Action (TCA) as a community organizer in the Desire-Florida Housing Project area. While at TCA, he played a critical role in the development of the first summer recreation program for under-privileged children. He then began a long career as a Clinical Social Worker with the State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Division of Mental Health, concentrating on the treatment of children and young adults. He worked as the facility manager at the Desire-Florida Mental Health Clinic (Desire) for over 30 years. While at Desire, he was instrumental in creating the Crisis Unit for the New Orleans Police Department as well as the first "time out" program for the public school system, known as STOP (Schools Treatment of Problems). He retired from his position at Desire Mental Health Clinic in 2003. Napoleon married the love of his life, Jill Newman Benoit, on October 26, 1985, and they had one son, Napoleon O. Benoit II in 1990. Napoleon was a proud father and dedicated the second half of his life to his son, chauffeuring him to every swim meet and baseball game. They shared a strong bond until his death. He was an active parishioner at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church where he served on the finance team, taught catechism (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), and was a member of the Outreach Ministry feeding the hungry. He was also a member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. He was a former member of Plymouth Rock Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and served as a deacon. He was a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity until his passing. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from his beloved fraternity in 2016. Napoleon is preceded in death by his father, Charles Benoit; mother, Ora Malishane; aunt, Alberta Clifford; older brother, Charles Benoit Jr.; beloved cousin, Theodora “Patty” Clifford; and cousin, Jessie Montgomery. He is survived in death by his wife, Jill Newman Benoit; daughter, Bettina Benoit Durant (Herbert); son, Napoleon Benoit II (Kelly McIntosh); grandson Herbert Durant III (Tripp); and a host of loving friends and extended family members. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend his Memorial Mass at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 2001 Louisiana Avenue on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodewsfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.

Napoleon O Benoit

May 5, 2024