Ben Louis Jones

Ben Louis Jones

Cleveland, Ohio: Ben L. Jones made his transition on Monday July 2, 2018 at his home.

Ben Louis  was born in Saluda, SC, February 25, 1927. He was raised by his parents Lula Mae "Bennie" and Emanuel Jones who preceded him in death. 

He completed High School and went on to secondary education to receive his license in carpentry.

As part of the Great Migration when many African Americans left the South, Ben moved to Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1950's with his first wife Eva Mae in pursuit of better opportunities. He was the owner of Beneva Construction Company which was well regarded and received many accolades. Ben's CB handle was "The House Doctor".

Ben joined the Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in the early 1960's, where he served as a deacon and a member of the Male Chorus.

Ben lived in Saluda, SC, for a while in the 70's and met a married the love of his life Reatha, February 26, 1977, married for 41 years and eventually they moved to Cleveland to live, but they often made their visits to Saluda to visit with family. He was a devoted husband. While living in Saluda, SC, he became a member of the Lockhart Baptist Church. 

Ben was an avid fisherman who only fished for lake fish and typically "crappies".  After retirement, his favorite place was on the lake on his boat.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his foster siblings which they were raised in the home of his parents as sisters and brothers, Annie Ruth Rhodes, George "Peck" Smith and Alonzo Smith.

Ben is survived by his wife, Reatha Jones of the home; daughter, Patricia (Stephen); his eldest son, John; sister Johnnie Mae Herbert (George), his step-son Solomon (Renee), his grandson, Ben Isaac; granddaughter Shantai; foster sister, Lorraine Martin, Columbia, SC; his nieces (by Alonzo Smith) Quinda, Sherri and Bennita (Brian), and (by Johnnie Mae) Thelma Benzetta, Beverly, Breanna and a nephew Reuben.  Ben also leaves to mourn a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Celebration of His Life will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2018 @ Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 8932 Quincy Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. Gaines Funeral Home is handling the services there.

Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at the Lockhart Baptist Church, 1772 Old Chappells Ferry Road, Saluda, SC,  with Pastor Herman Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m.

Viewing will be Tuesday @ 1-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Butler and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the Jones Family.

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