The mother of André 3000, Sharon Benjamin Hodo, made an unforgettable impression on the globe via her community service and influence on her son. Sharon, born February 28, 1955, was resilient, loving, and dedicated. She died at 58 on May 28, 2013, one day after her son’s birthday. Her death devastated her family and followers, yet her legacy lives on.
Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s life, family, and legacy on music through André 3000 will be examined in this article.
Early Life and Family
Sharon Benjamin Hodo was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Rev. Grant Benjamin and Ms. Elnora Norris Benjamin. Growing up in a close-knit family, she was always encouraged to pursue her dreams and passions. Sharon was a devoted daughter and carried the values of hard work and compassion instilled by her parents. As a mother, she raised her only child, André 3000, with the same love and dedication, and the bond between them was a significant influence on his life and career.
Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s Role as a Mother
Motherhood may be Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s greatest legacy. She supported and encouraged her son André throughout his youth and career. Her care and support helped André manage fame. André frequently attribute his mother’s strong sense of purpose and advice for molding his achievements.
Sharon emphasizes education, discipline, and artistic flexibility in parenting. As a mother, she encouraged André’s inventiveness, which led to his musical skill.
Career and Community Involvement
Beyond her role as a mother, Sharon Benjamin Hodo made significant contributions to her community. She was a passionate advocate for children’s welfare, and one of her major endeavors was founding The Starlight Camp, a non-profit organization designed to provide summer camp experiences for underprivileged children. Through The Starlight Camp, Sharon touched the lives of many young people, giving them opportunities for growth, education, and emotional support.
Her commitment to children’s causes and her community involvement reflected her desire to make the world a better place, one child at a time. Sharon’s work in the nonprofit sector remains a testament to her selflessness and her desire to uplift others.
Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s Net Worth
While Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s primary focus was on her family and community, her financial contributions were also notable. As the founder of a nonprofit and an active supporter of her son’s career, Sharon’s net worth was modest but meaningful. Estimates of her net worth place her financial assets at around $500,000 at the time of her passing.
Much of her wealth was derived from her work in the nonprofit sector and the success of her son, André 3000, whose career took off with the success of OutKast. Though not a major celebrity in her own right, Sharon’s financial legacy was tied closely to her family’s success and her philanthropic endeavors.
Sharon’s Impact on André 3000’s Career
One of the most influential and inventive hip-hop and R&B performers is André 3000, born André Lauren Benjamin. His singing career is his own, although Sharon Benjamin Hodo helped him grow. She gave him emotional and moral support to thrive.
She influenced André’s poetic profundity, emotional sensitivity, and distinctive style. Sharon’s emphasis on creativity and self-expression affected his music style, as did many of his experiences.
The Loss of Sharon Benjamin Hodo
Sharon Benjamin Hodo died unexpectedly on May 28, 2013. She died in her sleep at home in Rex, Georgia, at 58. André 3000 and his family were devastated by her death. Since her passing, her family and followers have mourned Sharon, a crucial character in his life.
Her death happened one day after André’s birthday, adding additional depth to the tragedy. André’s lyrics regularly referenced his mother’s lessons, honoring her legacy despite this devastating loss.
The Starlight Camp: Sharon’s Legacy
One of the lasting elements of Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s legacy is The Starlight Camp, the nonprofit organization she founded to help underprivileged children experience the joys of summer camp. Through this initiative, Sharon touched the lives of hundreds of children, providing them with a safe space to learn, grow, and have fun.
The Starlight Camp’s success was a testament to Sharon’s commitment to bettering the lives of others. Even after her passing, the camp continues to operate, ensuring that her legacy lives on in the lives of the children it serves.
A Family Deeply Impacted
The death of Sharon Benjamin Hodo was felt most acutely by her family, particularly her son, André 3000. He often spoke about the profound impact his mother had on him, both as an artist and as a person. After her passing, André withdrew from the public eye for a time, reflecting on his personal life and his music.
Sharon’s death also had a significant impact on André’s music, with many speculating that her passing influenced the direction of his work in the years following her death. His music became more introspective and personal, perhaps as a way to process his grief and honor his mother’s memory.
André 3000’s Tribute to His Mother
André 3000 paid respect to his mother after Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s death. He has remembered her and underlined her lessons via music and musings. André has expressed his love for his mother in interviews and on social media.
The 2014 album Benjamin Hodo, inspired by his mother’s life and legacy, was a poignant homage. He wrote about family, grief, and love on the album.
Conclusion: The Everlasting Influence of Sharon Benjamin Hodo
Beyond raising André 3000, Sharon Benjamin Hodo had a major effect. She created a legacy of community service, children’s issues, and steadfast love for her son that continues to inspire. Sharon’s compassion, inventiveness, and dedication to improving the world defined her life.
Her death was tragic, yet her legacy lives on. Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s tale shows the strength of love, family, and community and one person’s effect on the world.
FAQ
Who was Sharon Benjamin Hodo?
Sharon Benjamin Hodo was the mother of rapper and musician André 3000 (born André Lauren Benjamin). She was a key figure in his life, providing emotional support and guidance throughout his career.
What was Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s cause of death?
Sharon Benjamin Hodo passed away in her sleep on May 28, 2013, at the age of 58. The cause of death was not officially disclosed, but it was a sudden and unexpected loss.
Did Sharon Benjamin Hodo have any children?
Yes, Sharon Benjamin Hodo had one child, André 3000, who is a prominent figure in the music industry as part of the duo OutKast.
What was Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s net worth?
Sharon Benjamin Hodo’s estimated net worth was around $500,000 at the time of her passing, primarily due to her community work and her son’s success.
What is The Starlight Camp?
The Starlight Camp was a nonprofit organization founded by Sharon Benjamin Hodo, aimed at providing summer camp experiences for underprivileged children. It continues her legacy of giving back to the community.
