Gerald B. Benson, 90, of Jackson, MS joined our Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 due to a decline in health after breaking his leg. Jerry, as he was known to friends and family, was born in Silver Creek, MS on November 15, 1926 to J. P. and Susie Batton Benson. Jerry married Fannie Donald of Morton, MS on March 27, 1953. Jerry had been working as a self-employed carpenter most of his life, then in 1982 began working in the key shop at UMMC for seven years, retiring in 1989.

After Jerry married Fannie, they attended West Jackson Baptist Church. There he was a choir leader and met lifelong friends. After moving to South Jackson, they began to attend Oak Forest Baptist Church where he was member for almost 60 years. He was active in the church and for many years he taught a boys Sunday school class and sang in the adult choir.

He enjoyed putting puzzles together, working crossword puzzles, reading, collecting family pictures, and sitting on the front porch with his cats. Music was a major part of his life and he appreciated many different genres of music, while singing along with his beautiful voice. He also cherished the moments spent with family and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by his mother Susie Benson of Silver Creek, MS, who passed away when he was eight years of age. He was also preceded in death by his father, J.P. Benson of Silver Creek, MS; step mother, Lena B. Benson; brother, T. E. Benson of Houston, TX; brother, J. W. Benson of Jackson, MS; sister, Virginia Smith of Jackson, MS; son, Jerry Glynn Benson of Jackson, MS and granddaughter, Angela Wilson of Clinton, MS.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Fannie Benson of Jackson; brother, J. D. Benson and Sandra Benson of St. Simon's Island, GA; sister, Irene Crosby of Huntsville, TX; son, Kerry and Kathy Benson of Gulf Shores, AL; daughter, Kathy and Bill Wilson of Clinton; son, Ronnie and Cindy Benson of Pearl; daughter, Susan and Jeff Pope of Terry; son, David and Tiffany of Bentonia. Grandchildren: Cindy, Christy, and Daniel Benson of AL, Leslie and Arin Benson of Pearl, Tyler and Jessie Pope of Terry, and Sarah and Daniel Dykes of Cordova, TN. Great-grandchildren: Ashtyn, Brandon, Devon, Ethan, and Izzy. Great great grandchildren: Adisyn and Kaisyn.

We will be celebrating his life with a service held on Saturday, September 30, at 11:00am at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson MS 39209, with visitation from 9:00am to 11:00am and interment immediately following. In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to Oak Forest Baptist Church, 2875 Oak Forest Dr., Jackson, MS or Hospice Ministries, 450 Towne Center Blvd., Ridgeland, MS 39157.

Published in Clarion Ledger on Sept. 30, 2017