Benjamin L. Brown, Sr., 84, of Pennsauken, NJ, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, May 11, 2026. Ben was born in King & Queen County, VA, to the late Charles P. Brown and Elizabeth B. Jenkins. In 1960, he graduated from Central High School in VA, where he was a star basketball player. Upon graduating, he moved to Deptford Terrace, where he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Galveston. After serving his country, he married Beverly D. (Wharton) Brown, and from that union came Yolanda D. Brown and Benjamin L. Brown, Jr. Later, he married Zora Dees and remained married for 30 years with her until his departure. Within that union, they adopted 3 children.

Ben attended college at J. Sargeant Reynolds in Henrico, Va. He worked various jobs, retiring from the Camden County Board of Education. Since he was never one to keep still, he later worked as a security guard with Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority as his last job, finally retiring at the age of 79.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Zora Dees-Brown, 1 daughter; Yolanda D. Brown, 1 son; Benjamin L. Brown, Jr., a blended family including 2 additional daughters; Elise Williams and Louella Sadler, 4 grandchildren; Tearra Brown, Tiffany Brown, Ti’Ana Brown and Tamia Warren, 5 great-grandkids, a niece, nephews, 3 bonus children, 9 bonus grandchildren, 1 bonus great-grandkid and a host of family and friends.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his brother Charles W. Brown, sister Alice Brown, and nephew Tracey Brown.