Benjamin Smalls

Benjamin Smalls beloved husband of Rosa L. Smalls and devoted son of the late Thomas and Mary Smalls, was born on February 15, 1929. He and his sister, the late Mary E. Ray, were born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Benjamin attended school in both Columbia, South Carolina and Washington, D. C. He graduated in 1947 from Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina. He accepted the Lord at an early age and became a member of Salem Baptist Church in Washington, D. C. He later joined Central Union Baptist Church where he was an active and devoted member of the Men?s Chorus. He loved to minister in song and often received requests to sing his favorite hymn, ?Somebody is Knocking at Your Door?. Benjamin retired from the United States Government Printing Office in 1989 after thirty-eight years of service. During his career, he was very active in the union and served in the capacity of a Shop Steward. He was also a part-time entrepreneur in the Import/Export business. He had an intense love of music. This passion led him to studying the piano, writing lyrics to songs and singing. In the early 70?s, he successfully wrote and produced a song that was recorded by local singing artists. Benjamin was also a mentor to many of the neighborhood children. His latest pastime was playing and interacting with his two great-grandsons, Anthony, Jr. and Kalon. They brought him a great deal of joy during his illness. Benjamin quietly departed this life on Friday, July 7, 2006. He was preceded in death by his son, Lawrence C. Smalls. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Rosa L. Smalls; daughters, Janice Timmons of Upper Marlboro, MD, Tijuana Williams of Glenn Dale, MD and Jacqueline Ross of Landover, MD; three sons-in-law, Michael Timmons, Billy Williams and Woodrow Ross; one daughter-in-law, Leona Smalls; one granddaughter, Joy Timmons; six grandsons, Wynton Ross, Marquis Ross, Leandro Smalls, Landis Smalls, Anthony Williams and Damien Williams; two great-grandsons, Anthony Williams, Jr. and Kalon Ross; one nephew, James Ray, Jr; three nieces, Tonya Smalls, Velonda Thompson and Tarita Ray; two cousins, Alberta Kitt and Diane Davenport, and a host of relatives and friends. To send a lasting tribute or condolences to the Smalls family, please sign the Online Guestbook below. Click "Sign Guestbook".

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Benjamin Smalls

February 15, 1929 - July 7, 2006