Benjamin Edwards
Photograph of Benjamin Edwards, courtesy of Kimberly Tucker, by way of Wavy News 10.
Benjamin “Benny” Edwards was a persevering, strong-willed and deeply-loved father, friend, and brother who is now free. On December 28, 2020, only three days after Christmas and at the young age of 60, his cherished and beautiful soul lost a long battle with COVID-19. Benny was a native of Norfolk, Virginia where he resided most of his life and was loved by many, including his son, Benjamin Williams, his brother, Ronald Lee Jackson, among many other friends and family. In his free time, Benny enjoyed keeping himself occupied through many productive avenues such as reading books, going to vocational classes, and exercising.
Photograph of Benjamin Edwards, courtesy of Kimberly Tucker, by way of Wavy News 10.
The last few months that Benny spent on this planet were not easy for him. At the time of his death, Benny was incarcerated at Nottoway Correctional Facility, in Burkeville VA. After having his medical needs consistently neglected by corrections staff and spending time in a cell with an individual infected by COVID-19, Benny contracted the disease himself and had to enter emergency care. In an interview with WAVY News 10, his brother, Ronald Lee Jackson, describes his cell as one where “nobody would inhabit” and his son, Benjamin Williams, spoke to how scared and distraught his father was during his last phone call.
Up until his last days, Benny was an inspiration to others as he remained immensely optimistic and positive. Benny enjoyed calling his loved ones every week, making sure to share this positive energy with them. His close friend and long-time advocate, Kimberly Tucker, is one of many blessed by Benny’s presence. She described these calls with Benny on her Facebook page shortly after his passing: “I will miss you so much, our weekly phone calls, laughing, helping you with things you weren't happy with behind the wall. Making those phone calls, when they couldn't or wouldn't hear your voice. I know you knew I loved you all these years, over 30...always at the end of our conversation. we would tell each other, I love you. I could feel your words benny. because we truly loved each other.”
Photograph of Benjamin Edwards, courtesy of Kimberly Tucker, by way of Wavy News 10.
Benny had already made plans with his loved ones for after his release. He was set to stay at the home of his dear friend, Kimberly, who was dreaming of the day she could reunite with her Benny and wrote on Facebook: “I need you at my house, waking up, you and daddy bo kicking the bo bo over coffee. sitting on the back deck, looking at the water.. benny, the plans we made for you after your release, [w]on't come true.”
While Benny could not make it to his release, he is now free from worldly suffering. Benny will always be remembered for the loving, optimistic, and persevering man that he was, and he will be deeply missed. May he Rest in Peace.
This memorial was written by MOL team member Anaheed Mobaraki with information from reporting by Regina Mobley of WAVY News 10 and Kimberly Tucker on Facebook.