Benjamin Thomas, Jr.
was born on September 17, 1959 in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of
Benjamin and Ruby Thomas, Sr.
Ben accepted Christ
at an early age and was a past member of the New Mt. Zion Baptist
Church where he was baptized by Rev. McCreary. He later joined
Everlasting Baptist Church where he sang in the choir.
Ben, or “Benjie” as
he was lovingly known, attended Cleveland Public Schools and
graduated from Glenville Senior High School. While in high school,
Ben had been a member of the marching band and played the tuba,
oboe, and clarinet. He later received an Associates Degree from
Cleveland Community College and later a Bachelors of Art Degree from
Capitol University where he majored in Social Work.
Ben worked at many
jobs, including TRW and RTA Regional Sewer District. After
obtaining his degree, however, Ben later was employed with the
Salvation Army-Harbor Lights, Job Corps, Center for Families &
Children, and Bridgeway.
Ben enjoyed cooking,
fishing, singing and spending time with his family. He will be
remembered for his generosity, his humor, his smile, his hearty
laughter and his booming beautiful voice!
Benjie departed this
life on Wednesday morning, December 16, 2009, and is preceded in
death by his father.
Those left to mourn
and to cherish his memory include his mother, Ruby M.; brothers,
Curtis (Bobbie) Tisdale and Charles (Wannetta) Tisdale; sister,
Beverly (Theodore) Byers; five aunts, Dorothy Patillar, Phyllis
Jackson Redmonds, Lucinda Graves, Aretha Aycox, and Ruthie Tolbert;
three uncles, Isaiah (Julia ) Simmons, James Jackson, and Philip (Arsenath
“Tina”) Jackson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other loving
relatives and friends.
