Our Leading Lady

Carla Ramona Bentley, the daughter of Ida and the late Francis DeGraffenreid was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She met her husband, Rev. Dr. Marvin J. Bentley, while attending Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn. They have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of 3 children, Chlóe Ramona, Matthew Joshua, and Daniel James.

Carla earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Queens College and her Master’s degree in Special Education at City College, New York City. Presently she is a Resource Room teacher for all grades at PS 84 in Astoria, Queens, New York. During her tenure of 24 years as an educator with the Board of Education she has been cited for her creative and committed work, and the United Federation of Parents of District 30 has honored her on two occasions. She is a former Homework Helper for the Kings Inn Family Shelter for Women and Children in East Elmhurst. Eventually she looks forward to writing children’s books.

Mrs. Bentley is a member of the Antioch Baptist Church of Corona where her husband has been the pastor for the past 25 years. She has been the Children’s Day speaker, Co-Chairperson of Women’s Day, and an active member of the September Club. She sings with the MJB Ensemble, teaches Introductory Spanish at the Antioch Bible Institute and is Chairperson of the Valienthia Smiley Miller Scholarship Committee. She enjoys physical exercise, cooking, reading, and traveling. She also enjoys theatrical and cultural activities.

Carla loves the Lord, her church and family. She enjoys her career and realizes that she is blessed in many ways.