Benjamin Carson

Benjamin James Carson, Jr. went from labor to rest on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 following a long illness. Ben was born in Glen Rogers, W. Va. on January 26, 1933 to Benjamin J. Carson Sr. and Gladys Hardy Wilkins.

Growing up in Glen Rogers, Ben enjoyed going to church and participating in Easter and Christmas programs. Some of his favorite memories were those of his mother reading her Bible aloud and singing while his dad read several newspapers and discussed current events.

Ben began working during the summer of his junior year in high school. That job opportunity took him to Cincinnati, Ohio. The experience outside of his small West Virginia town planted a seed in him. He was eager to find out what the rest of the world had to offer. Ben graduated from Conley High School in Mullins, W. Va in 1952. He joined the the United States Army which nourished his hunger to travel and explore the world. He spent a tour of duty in Seoul, Korea. During a visit home at Christmas in 1957, he met Katrina Helen Barksdale. The two began a long distance relationship and were married within nine months. Ben was deployed to Germany where his daughter Mariette Victoria was born. Three years later he was deployed to Fort Barry in Presidio, California (not far from San Francisco) where his son, Benjamin James Carson, III was born. After Fort Barry was deactivated, Ben and his family were relocated to Monterey, California. His military service ended at the brink of the Viet Nam War. He had served 11 years.

After leaving the military, Ben moved his family to Columbus, Ohio where he obtained a position as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. While working at the Post Office, Ben attended Franklin University and in 1976 graduated with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration. His determination and perseverance served him well. He attended managerial school and was promoted as the First African American Area Manager for Northeast Columbus with the responsibility for all operations of postal stations and branches within that area. Ben retired in 1992 with 41 years of military and work experience.

After being widowed in 1987, Ben met Christine Morgan. They married on July 29, 1995. Christine retired from teaching in the Westerville Public School system in 2011 with over 30 years of service. Ben and Chris began traveling more and actively participating in Masons and Shriners events. They also enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. Ben also loved Ohio State Football and was not often seen without his OSU cap on.

Ben served the community since 1961 in the capacity as a 33rd Degree Mason LD Easton Consistory #21, Prince Hall Grand Lodge Chairman of Arrangements for 10 years, Past Potentate Alla Baba Temple #53 Prince Hall Shriners and Past Patron of Utopia #16 Order of Eastern Stars. Ben had been a member of Shiloh Baptist Church since 1968.

Benjamin Jr. is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Gladys; Katrina Barksdale Carson (wife); brothers William (Frances), Arthur (Gwendolyn), Simeon (Jeanette), sister Mary Benson, grandson Joshua Carson.

Ben is survived by wife, Christine P. Carson, daughter Mariette (Robert) Polite, son Benjamin III (Joyce) Carson, stepdaughter, Zarina Morgan; grandchildren, Benjamin IV and Nathaniel Carson, Immanuelle and Isaac Polite, Jourdain Morgan and a hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Christine was dedicated to taking good care of Ben until the end. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man; always willing to help the next generation. He’s been an inspiration to more than we’ll ever know. His legacy of Christian commitment and service has and will continue to impact many for years to come.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 11:00 am- 12:00 pm with a Funeral Service immediately following at Shiloh Baptist Church, 720 Mt Vernon Ave, Columbus, OH 43203. Burial will take place in procession to Union Cemetery.

To leave a message of condolence please visit the tributes page.