Benjamin F. Woods

Benjamin Franklin Woods was born on March 4, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late parents, Lois Patterson Woods and John Davis Woods Sr.. Benjamin was raised in Biloxi, Mississippi where he attended elementary and Jr. High school. He was academically sound, played sports and graduated from M. F. Nichols High School, the Class of 1960. His extra curricular activities as a kid included a variety of sports, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts and attended the Scouts annual Jamboree. In the early 60s during his young adult life in Biloxi, Misissippi he took a stance against racial injustice and discriminatory practices while participating in a Civil Rights March and protest on the Biloxi Beach.

In 1963, he entered the military serving in the United States Air Force, stationed at Oxnard Air Force base, California during the Vietnam War. Benjamin received an honorable discharge in 1967 and then reenlisted as Air Force reservist for an additional two years. Thereafter, he remained in California, residing in the Los Angeles area near his family members. He went on to use his educational veteran benefits to enroll in vocational school in order to enter the civilian workforce. This led to Benjamin working for the Los Angeles Unified School District(LAUSD) for 18 years. Uncle Bennie retired from the workforce in 1996 due to an illness of a brain tumor. Benjamin relocated his residency to the Inland Empire in the early 2000’s.

Benjamin was born into a strong and religious United Methodist household. As an adult he rededicated his life to become a Christian, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 2014 at Abundant Living Family Church, Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Some of his favorite past times in early adulthood were attending parties, sporting events, jazz concerts, cooking, playing dominoes, listening to jazz music and socializing with family and friends. He enjoyed listening to Jazz artists like Cannoball Adderley, Hugh Masekela, Roy Ayers, Wes Montgomery, Billie Holiday and host of Motown artists.

Benjamin, referred to as Uncle Bennie respectfully, was noted for his sense of humor, quiet demeanor, funny sarcasm and wittiness. As uncle Bennie began to age, he continued to enjoy playing dominoes while trash talking during the game with family. He often played solitaire, a card game his mother taught him when he was a child, his favorite pastime. He also enjoyed watching various game shows and sports on television. His family joked with him about his favorite sports teams changing so frequently. His favorite team always depended on which team had the best record. Uncle Bennie had no shame in following the talent. Let it be known he was a true Lakers fan. He loved eating soul food, specifically, fried chicken, collard greens, shrimp and seafood gumbo.

He is survived by nieces, Stephanie Lynn Woods Brown (Alfred Brown), Kia C. Gordon (Jerrell Gordon), LeMans P. Mebane, Lenise U. Richardson, Donise M. Monroe (Daniel Monroe) and Tiffany Warren; nephews, Bruce L. Woods, Maurice L. Harris and Robert L. Warren III (Patty); great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and a host of more loved ones.

He was preceded by five siblings, two sisters Mildred L. Woods M’Timkulu and Gloria J. Richardson , three brothers John Woods Jr., Clifton Richardson Jr., and Robert L. Warren Jr..

We love you and will miss you Uncle Bennie, but we rejoice in knowing that you have crossed over into everlasting peace and eternal life. Uncle Bennie rest in power, peace and love.