Mrs. Estella Jukes Benjamin entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 1, 2015 in the Bethea Baptist Retirement Community in Darlington, South Carolina. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later. The family will receive friends at 1709 Germantown Place in Dillon, South Carolina.

Obituary

My heart is fixed, O God my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Psalm 57:7

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: Proverbs 17:22. Our mama is more precious than rubies. A jewel, Ms. Estella Jukes Benjamin , daughter of the late Ms. Estella Wells Jukes and Mr. Will Brigman was born December 26, 1930 in Marietta, North Carolina and departed this life February 1, 2015 in the Bethea Baptist Retirement Community in Darlington, South Carolina after an extended illness.

Estella was educated in the public schools of Robeson County. She was married to the late Mr. Willie Marion (Alphonson) Benjamin and with the uniting of the two they were blessed with seventeen children.

A loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. Estella was warm, friendly, caring, loyal, humorous, smart, kind hearted, and most of all God fearing. She was an entrepreneur stating several businesses such as: a daycare, vegetable stand, hot food vendor, farmer, and a dynamic Avon lady; always service with a smile, and a kind word about the Lord. Cooking meals daily for her family, sharing and feed other families. The family was never hungry. Estella held various jobs: a cook, best biscuit baker for Burger King, textile worker, domestic worker, loving the Lord with all of her heart allowed her to walk by faith, and not by sight! The proud mother of seventeen children, it was faith! A strong woman who taught her children to fear the Lord, and the love of Jesus and family.

Estella was a longtime member of the New Covenant Free Rock Church in Christ attending until her health failed. A true praiser and worshiper, who loved to wear her suits, hats, shoes, and purses.

Estella leaves to her children to cherish her many precious memories: Five loving and devoted daughters Ruth Ann Pugh, Estelle ( William) Bethea, Isabella Benjamin, Evangelist Mary (Daniel) Manning, and Brenda Good all of Dillon, South Carolina. One daughter, Mae Bertha Calvy preceded her in death. Eleven loving and devoted sons: Willie (Lena) Benjamin, Ricky (Brandy) Benjamin of Marion, South Carolina. Preston (Rose) Benjamin , Herbert Benjamin, Alphonso (Brenda) Benjamin, David Benjamin, and Anthony (Sylvia) Benjamin all of Dillon, South Carolina. Freddie (Dee) Benjamin, Dennis Benjamin of Latta, South Carolina, Clarence (Jackie) Benjamin of Wadesboro, North Carolina and Leroy (Lois) Benjamin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One brother Robert (Hattie) Brigman of Syracuse, New York. One sister Shirley Hayes of Lake View, South Carolina. Three sisters-in-law: Thelma Ruby, Isabella Benjamin and Mary (Wilmar) Cain all of St. George, South Carolina. Fifty-four grandchildren, seventy or more great grandchildren, thirteen great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

And I said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove: For then would I fly away and be at rest." Psalm 55: 6

Good night! Mama's Babies, grands, great-grands, and great great-grands, family and friends...