Pastor Calvin Jerome Benjamin Sr.

Calvin Jerome Benjamin Sr. was born to the late Charlie Benjamin and the late Henrietta Benjamin, July 16, 1956 in Naylor, Georgia. He was educated in the Lanier County School System and furthered his education at Bethany Divinity College and Seminary where he received his Bachelor’s degree.

Pastor Benjamin was a loving man. Concerned with giving, not gaining; being a friend to those in need; and always ready to give a word of cheer. He had a huge, gracious, smile that could melt hearts and erase all tears. He was humble, wise, and trustworthy.

Raised in a Christian home, Calvin learned early that he was in need of a Savior. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, mind, body, and soul. Faithful to the end.

Answering the call to be a fisher of men, he became the pastor of First Oak Grove Baptist Church, Hosanna Baptist Church and later founded House of Bread Ministries where he pastored until his health failed. Understanding the importance of having spiritual covering, he joined St Mark Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. John H. Manning.

The Lord granted His great soldier eternal rest, January 13, 2014.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents: Crawford Benjamin, Carrie Benjamin, Ivory Williams and Pernella Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memories a faithful wife of 36yrs - the apple of his eye, Alice Benjamin; four children - his pride and joy: Cassandra Inboden (Michael), Latonya Thomas (Dexter, Sr.), April Finnissee (Freddie) and Calvin Benjamin Jr. (Selena); six sisters: Retta Houston (Cessor Sr.), Jean Benjamin, Sharon Merriweather (John), Sheryl Mitchel (Frank), Patricia Turner, Charlie Mae Brown and Willene Abbott (Walter); two brothers: Pastor Joseph Benjamin (Connie) and Pastor Reginald Benjamin (Tina); two aunts: Dean Benjamin and Verna Benjamin; god-mother: Mattie McKinney; one god-sister: Loretha Woods; two god-brothers: Keith Echols (Lisa) and Ronnie Daniels; one god-daughter: Brandi Fox; one god-son: Ryan Williams; special friends: George Rhynes, Pastor Henry Gibson, Robert Lane; his spiritual father: Dr. John H. Manning, thirteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

The homegoing celebration for the late Pastor Calvin Benjamin Sr. will be held Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 12:00pm from the sanctuary of New Life Ministries.

Rev. John H. Manning will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.