Deaconess Jewel Benjamin

Obituary for Deaconess Jewel Howard Benjamin Deaconess Jewel Howard Benjamin was born on August 31, 1951, in Hanover County, Virginia, to the late Deacon Walter B. Howard and Deaconess Lillian P. Howard. She peacefully departed this life on July 12, 2026, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reverend Johnny Benjamin. Jewel was educated in the Hanover County Public School System and graduated from John M. Gandy High School in 1969. She continued her education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. At an early age, Jewel accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at First Union Baptist Church. A faithful and devoted member, she served in numerous ministries throughout the years, including the Sunday School, Usher Ministry, Deaconess Ministry, Senior Ministry, Junior Missionary, and Women’s Ministry. She faithfully served in the Women’s Ministry for 34 years and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed. Jewel had a special love for children and young people. Through the Junior Missionary Ministry, she organized Saturday outings to feed those in need, often preparing and paying for the meals herself. She also planned memorable trips and activities for the youth, including excursions aboard the Annabelle Lee, visits to Kings Dominion, and many other enriching experiences that created lasting memories. Jewel dedicated 25 years of service to Richmond Public Schools as a Cafeteria Manager. Following her retirement, she began a second career with Hanover County Public Schools as a School Bus Attendant. Her love for children continued in this role, where she developed meaningful relationships with students and their families. In recognition of her outstanding service, she received the Hanover County Transportation Support Employee of the Year Award in 2020. In 1979, Jewel met the love of her life, Johnny Benjamin. They were united in marriage on June 18, 1981.They shared 42 wonderful years together until his passing in 2023. Together they opened their hearts and home by adopting nine children and fostering many others over the years. Jewel also faithfully served alongside her husband as First Lady of Temple of God in Christ Christian Church in Richmond, Virginia, for eleven years. Jewel leaves to cherish her precious memory two daughters, Latasha Austin (James) and Michelle Benjamin; seven sons, Kar Benjamin (Shateeka), John Benjamin, Cecil Jackson, Bilal Benjamin, Zaire Benjamin, Elijah Benjamin, and DeAndre Benjamin; grandchildren, Iyanna Benjamin, Saije Grady, Sade Benjamin, Kori Benjamin, Carter Benjamin, Josiah Benjamin, Jade Martinez, Milani Clanton-Benjamin, Shadaria Latney (Steven), and Suirad Ware; one great-grandson, Stori Latney; two Godsons, George Webster (Shannon), and Johnathan (Keionna); and her beloved siblings, Phyllis Brooks (Junius), Christine Taylor (George), Carolyn Hopson, Jackie Lee (Robert), and Jesse Howard (Lisa).Jewel and Johnny also fostered many children who remained close to them throughout the years and were grateful for the love, guidance, and support they received. Those who continued to share a special bond with the family include Travis Dantzler, Desmond Ford, Johnathan Ford, Akeem Robinson, and Asia Hobson-Jackson. She also leaves to cherish her memory devoted extended family and dear friends, including Vivian Webster, Edith Willis, Lorraine Walker, Jeanette Braxton, Addie Morrow, Vivian Nichols, Isabelle Townes, Tanya Benjamin, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and countless friends. Jewel will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, servant’s spirit, and unconditional love for children and families. Her life was a beautiful testimony of compassion, service, and devotion to God. Her legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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Deaconess Jewel Benjamin

August 31, 1951 - July 12, 2026