Michael Thomas Benjamin was born November 13th, in the year 1949, at 55 George Street by midwife, on the island of Trinidad and Tobago, to his proud father, Vernon Benjamin and his beautiful mother, Vilma Clement Benjamin. They later had two daughters, Gemma Benjamin and Patricia (Patsy) Benjamin. Both his parents and sister Gemma preceded him in death. Patsy who is still living, but disabled lives in Trinidad with a family caregiver. Michael adored his parents and sisters and spoke of them often about their life growing up in Trinidad and their caring, loving upbringing and how important education was in their home. He was blessed to have a son in Trinidad, Jevon Don Modeste whom he greatly loved.
Michael excelled in school academically and sports, he loved the game of soccer. However, more than that, he loved playing music, especially with the guitar. As many young talented youths do with big dreams of expanding their love for music, he and friends formed a band in Trinidad and would play at local events. His big dreams carried him across big waters to come to America in hopes of fulfilling those dreams. He worked in the warehouse industry by day, first in Baltimore, Maryland and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia with the same aspirations. and would often perform with local bands in the Atlanta area. He married in Atlanta a couple of years after his arrival and to that union, two sons were born. Michael Lloyd Benjamin, Jr. and Marlin Thomas Benjamin. Outside of his music, they were his greatest love. He loved playing soccer with them as children, playing the guitar for them as they sang, and was very proud of all of their accomplishments. They were his light and cared for him daily until his very last day.
Michael began to feel sick around 2023 when he made a visit to the doctor. At that time, he learned of his cancer diagnosis. It slowed him down but did not stop him from socializing with his friends, hanging out with his sons and playing his guitar. His hopes were high that he could fight off the disease and fully recover. However in time, it took its toll on his body, weakening him, and progressing. Michael succumbed to the illness on Thursday evening June 27, 2024 with no more energy to fight but his sons, Michael and Marlin quickly by his side.
He leaves behind his beloved sister, Patsy of Trinidad and Tobago; his sons, Jevon of Boston, Massachusetts, Michael of Atlanta, Georgia and Marlin of Atlanta, Georgia; loving siblings, Trevor, Anthony "Tony," Sandra, and Ermin all of Trinidad and Tobago; and a host of cousins and friends both here and across the waters.
One of his favorite songs to sing and play on the guitar was Bob Marley's, "No Woman No Cry."
So, to you Michael . . .
"I remember when we used to sit in a government yard in Trench Town, Observing the hypocrites, Mingle with the good people we meet, Good Friends we have, or good friends we've lost along the way.
In this great future, you can't forget your past,
So, dry your tears, say yeah . . .
Everything's gonna be alright
Everything's gonna be alright
Everything's gonna be alright
Everything's gonna be alright"
Visitation for Michael will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281, followed by a Celebration of Life at 6:00 PM.
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