Saturday, Februaiy 1,2003 1:00P.M. St. )ohn Missionaiy Baptist Church Claxton, Georgia Reverend Stanford Anderson, Eulogist Reverend Dr. L. Periy McNeal, Presiding Interment: Historic Mt. Pleasant Cemeteiy Claxton, Georgia Reverend james Benjamin was born on june 13, 1924 to the late Mr. Leo and Mrs. Cordia Benjamin in Claxton, Georgia. Reverend Benjamin succumbed to his illness and entered into Everlasting Rest on Saturday, januaiy 25, 2003. He was a faithful member of St. john Missionaiy Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1958. He later answered a higher calling and was ordained into the Baptist Ministry. He served as Youth Pastor, and following this term of service, he became the Associate Pastor of St. john Mission- ay Baptist Church. For many years. Reverend Benjamin served as Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Guyton, Georgia. He was a 35 +year Gold Card Member of the St. josephs Mason Lodge #76, where he held the office of Chaplain. Reverend Benjamin was joined in Hojy Matrimony to juanita {ones on September 6, 1947 and to this union eleven children were born. His wife, along with one son (Stevenson), preceded him in death. He leaves the following loved ones behind to treasure his life and his love: four loving daugh- ters: Mrs. jackie Benjamin of Claxton, Georgia, Mrs. Catherine Grant of Woodbine, Georgia, Mrs. Carol B. Parker of Hampton, Georgia, and Mrs. juanita Cordia B. Parker of Albany, Georgia; six be- loved sons: Mr. james Benjamin, jr. of Orlando, Florida, Mr. johnny L. Benjamin of Collins, Georgia, Mr. Robert Benjamin of Claxton, Georgia, Deacon Barto Benjamin of Hinesville, Georgia, Mr. Lariy Benjamin of Leland, North Carolina, and Mr. Gregoy Benjamin of Stockbridge, Georgia; four daugh- ters-in-law: Mrs. Marilyn Benjamin of Orlando, Florida, Mrs. Barbara Ann Benjamin of Collins, Geor- gia, Mrs. Brenda Benjamin of Hagan, Georgia, and Mrs. Lisa Miles Benjamin of Stockbridge, Georgia; two sons-in-law: Mr. Hillard A. Parker of Hampton, Georgia and Mr. Raford B. Parker of Albany, Georgia; one caring sister, Mrs. Hazel Benjamin of Claxton, Georgia; four sisters-in-law: Mrs. Luretha Tillman and Mrs. Nita Bell Baker, both of Claxton, Georgia, Mrs. Thelma jones of Dublin, Georgia, and Mrs. Wilma jones of Collins, Georgia; two brothers-in-law: Rev. Lloyd B. jones of Dublin, Georgia and Rev. Lee jones of Collins, Georgia; twenty-seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 'e^mee Rev. Dr. L. Periy McNeal, Presiding Processional Selection..................................................................................Choir Scriptural Reading Old Testament.........................................................Rev. Claude Woods New Testament.........................................................Rev. Martin Bacon Invocation.....................................................................Rev. C.L Anderson Solo.......................................................................Rev. Richard Hunt, )r. Resolutions: St. John Baptist Church........................................Sis. Gwendolyn Strickland Wheeler Street Church of God......................................Sis. Mamie Lee Moore St. Josephs Lodge #76.................................................Bro. Harold Jones Remarks: From A Church Member and Friend.......................................Dea. Ceasar Banks From The Family.......................................................Sis. Luretha Tillman Acknowledgments Obituaiy Eulogy. ...................................................................Rev. Stanford Anderson Recessional Interment The family of the late Reverend James Benjamin, Sr. acknowledge with grateful appreciation the com- forting and tangible expressions of s^mpatfiy and concern extended to them during the illness and passing of their loved one. The warmth of_your expressions and evidence ofyour love and support were not only a blessing, but also a source inspiration during this time of bereavement. It is the familys prayer that God will return to you, in full measure, the comfort and the care that you have given them. May God Bless You. Deacons and Members of St. )ohn Baptist Church Deacons and Members of Gethsemane Baptist Church St. loseph Lodge #76 Mr. Darvin Benjamin Mr. Anthony Benjamin Mr. Bariy Baker Mr. Roy Benjamin Mr. Bobby Jones Mr. Shonta Smith Mr. Wayne Tillman Nieces and Friends Dont grieve for me, for now Im free; Im following the path God laid for me. Tasb left undone must stay that way, Ive found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with memories and joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My lifes been full. Ive savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Dont lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift upyour heart and share with me; God wanted me now. He set me free. Lovingjy Submitted By: Your Children Harpers Funeral Home Claxton, Georgia; (912) 739-2658 Mr. and Mrs. lames H. Nelson Owners/Managers Mr. Alvin V. HallA-icensed Funeral Director In Charge Rev. Craig R. Tremble/Mr. Percy Hodges. Licensed Funeral Directors I took his hand when 1 heard him call, I turned my back and left it ^1. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, or play.'