Zamien Elijah Benditt-Parkes was born November 27, 1996, in Akron, Ohio. Zamien died suddenly at his home in Wilmot Township on August 30, 2014.

Zamien attended K-4 through 7th grade in the Towanda School District, 8th grade in Wellsboro School District, and 9th to time of death in Wyalusing Valley Jr-Sr High School District where he would have been entering his senior year.

He attended Cub Scouts earning the Arrow of Light. In 2007, he participated in the Guthrie Gallop in Sayre which was his first race, and where he acquired his passion for running, which he excelled at. At Wyalusing he was a member of the track & field and cross country teams, where he won many trophies and ribbons, and was always looking for ways to improve his times. He succeeded in going to PIAA States in the fall of 2013 for Cross Country. He was well liked and respected by many athletes and fellow students.

He excelled in academics and was very musically inclined. He played trumpet in band, played the piano, and was actively involved in vocal jazz and senior chorus. He could hear a song and start playing it on the trumpet or piano without any sheet music in front of him. He was a member of the Granville Center Church of Christ and was baptized on July 18, 2010. He was also very involved in helping at church activities, and also for the Monroe Hose Company in Monroeton.

He was beloved by two families. He is survived by his mom Aelise Parkes of Wyalusing. In the Benditt family, he was the son of Kevin and Louise Benditt of Monroeton. He is also survived by his brother Stephen and sisters Carlinda, Catie, and Nicole, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be two memorial services to celebrate Zamien's short life. One will be held on Sunday, September 14, at 3:00 pm at the Granville Center Church of Christ in Granville Summit, PA. In addition, there will be a memorial service in the Wyalusing Community to be held on Sunday, September 28 at 1:00 PM at Wyalusing Valley Jr-Sr High School Auditorium with Rev. Barry Ballard of the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church and family Minister John Fanning officiating. At the conclusion of the Memorial Service at the school there will be lunch buffet at the school's cafeteria.


In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Zamien Benditt-Parkes Memorial Fund, PS Bank, PO Box 566, Wysox, PA 18854. This will be a scholarship fund for student-athletes at the Wyalusing Valley and Towanda High Schools.


Arrangements were made through Sheldon Funeral Homes, 155 Church St., Wyalusing, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.