Benjamin Franklin Henderson was born on March 1, 1937, in Asheville, North Carolina to Jesse James and Elzena Webb.

Benjamin's health started to decline in May when he left to go live with his daughter in Gastonia where he departed this life on Saturday, June 8, 2024, under hospice care.

Benjamin attended the public schools graduating from Stephens Lee in 1956. In high school, he played varsity football and basketball. Following his high school graduation, Benjamin went on to study at Teacher's College (now Winston-Salem State University), graduating in 1960. Benjamin furthered his education by receiving his Master's in Education at North Carolina A&T State University.

Benjamin taught in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School system at Carver High School. He participated in an internship and traveled to Africa in 1972. He also taught at Jefferson Middle School and coached basketball and football while teaching. He also became a principal during his time in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School system.

Benjamin retired in 2003 from the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School system after 42 years of service. During 22 of those years, he worked as a manager during the summer at the city's recreational swimming pools throughout the city of Winston-Salem.

Benjamin motivated and mentored everyone he came in contact with to reach their greatest potential.

Benjamin Franklin Henderson was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Joyce Gilmore Henderson. He leaves to cherish his memories, his children: Victor, Tamara, Yomi, Benjamin G. (Anarah); grandchildren: Benjamin and Hope; great-grand: Malachi. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, June 14, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, June 15, 2024 at First Baptist Church- Highland Avenue. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 1:00pm on Saturday at the Church.