It was a warm spring Friday night in April 2015. Charisse's big sister Jomel was in town visiting from Los Angeles. They decided to meet up with some friends for Friday night happy hour. They hopped in an Uber and headed to old school, local watering hole Mt. Royal Tavern. Charisse and Jomel were single and out on the prowl for a good time. They arrived at the Tavern and were welcomed by friends at the bar. As fate would have it, Charisse sat next to Jimmy. As soon as their eyes locked, the conversation began to flow like old friends catching up. Jimmy was captivated by Charisse's caramel skin, laid back personality and beautiful smile. Charisse was intrigued by Jimmy's bigger than life personality, handsome smile, sports knowledge and sense of humor. They talked about everything under the sun from the O's to family and life in general. From that point the drinks were flowing and they sang, danced and laughed continuously. However, as they say "time flies when you're having fun' and it was time to leave the tavern. Jimmy and Charisse were not ready to call it a night, so the crew decided to grab a late night/early morning bite. They headed to Sip & Bite for food. Sip & Bite will never be the same after a visit from the crew! They headed out and Jimmy drove Charisse and Jomel home. After such a fun night vibing out, they decided to exchange digits to keep in touch. Jimmy reached out to Charisse to hang out one on one just a few days later. They met at Charisse's favorite watering hole Claddagh's Pub and the rest is history. Charisse had a birthday celebration on February 8, 2020. In front of family and friends, Jimmy asked Charisse to be his forever love! October 15, 2021 they will marry at the same church as Jimmy's mother and father. This will be the second Phillips/Benton union. The first being his mother, Anastatia Phillips-Benton and father James L. Benton Jr. married June 15, 1963.