Addie Benjamin

The passing of Addie Lynn Benjamin (Farmer City, IL) leaves a void in the hearts of many. Addie entered heaven on August 25, 2026 after being surrounded by her family and close friends.

Born on September 5, 2014, Addie brought joy, laughter, and the ability to see the bright side of any situation into the lives of the people who knew her. Addie lived big and loved even bigger. She never knew a stranger or a dog she didn’t want to pet. Addie had a way of making everyone she met feel seen and loved. To know Addie was to know that you were a part of the family.

At age six, Addie was diagnosed with Craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor, and underwent countless treatments at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Despite Addie’s seven brain surgeries, thirty rounds of proton radiation, countless MRIs, CT scans, and hospital stays, Addie never lost her hopeful and upbeat perspective on life or her sense of humor, even in her last moments.

Addie loved her family, her friends, and her four dogs: Cabela, Colt, Jude, and Caliber. She loved music and horses. She never found a craft she wasn’t willing to try, a cookie she didn’t want to help bake, or a camping trip she wasn’t ready to go on. She would spend hours singing and dancing. She loved listening to country music with her Dad in his truck, or joining him on a weekend trap-shooting trip. With her Mom, Taylor Swift and Jelly Roll would play while they’d get their nails done, grab a starbucks, or stop at a flower shop for some bright-colored daisies. She especially loved baking with her grandmas and her aunt, and anyone who knew her could tell you about her countless adventures with her cousins and friends. The sound of her joy-filled laughter will never be forgotten. More than anything, Addie just loved being with people-- loving on them, and reminding them to see the good in the world.

Addie leaves behind her parents, Micheal and Ashley; her grandparents, Todd and Polly Scott, Steve (Susie) Benjamin, and Danielle Benjamin; and her aunts and uncles, William and Nicole Chambers, Austin Benjamin, and Zachary and Laura Scott. Addie was deeply loved by her family, and she especially cherished the time she spent with her cousins, who were not only family but some of her closest friends: Donovan (10), Jonah (8), Ellie (7), Mia (6), Eden (4), Evelyn (2), and Elias (1 month).

Addie leaves behind more than just her family and memories. Even in her passing, Addie continues to bring hope to others. Through organ and tissue donation, Addie donated her eyes and heart valves to help other children see the world and to live a life committed to loving big. Addie’s family is grateful that her legacy of love will live on in others.

Services for Addie will be held at “her church,” Grace Church in Mahomet, IL on Saturday, September 12th. Visitation from 11am-2pm with services immediately following. The family asks that guests please wear bright colors to celebrate Addie’s life.

Instead of flowers or gifts to the family, please consider a gift to St. Jude, helping them continue their fight for children everywhere.