Deacon Benjamin Jakes, Jr.

Deacon Benjamin Jakes, Jr., affectionately known and loved by many, was born on July 7, 1948, in Williams, South Carolina, to the late Benjamin Jakes, Sr. and Eloise Jakes Lee. On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, he peacefully entered eternal rest at his home, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and family members. 

He attended the public schools of Colleton County, a faithful Tiger, of Ruffin High School in Ruffin, South Carolina. Ben as he was known, began his working career with Williams Building Supply, where he worked for two years. He later joined Food Land, where he faithfully served for more than forty years before retiring. Throughout the years, he has also been known as a dedicated and dependable worker for Mr. Ray Carmichael.

At an early age, Benjamin joined Evergreen Baptist Church in Williams, South Carolina. In later years, he attended Bethal Holiness #5 Ruffin, South Carolina and then found his forever church home with Sand Hill Baptist Church in Walterboro, South Carolina, where he faithfully served until his death. He served in many capacities, including the Male Choir and as a dedicated member of the Deacon Board. Benjamin loved his church and church family dearly. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave, making sure the church was opened, cared for, and secured. Many would lovingly say that if you were not ready to leave, Deacon Jakes would be turning off the lights anyway. 

He was a proud member of Butler Lodge No. 463, Yemassee, South Carolina; a 32nd Degree Mason, Cradle Simmons Consistory No. 362; and a Past Patron of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 387 of Yemassee, South Carolina. 

One of Benjamin's greatest passions was gospel music. He was one of the original founders and leaders of the Carolina Prophets Gospel Singers, faithfully ministering in song throughout Colleton County and surrounding communities for more than fifty years. Through his music, he touched countless lives and shared his love for God wherever he traveled. 

Benjamin was also known for his love of fishing. Many family members and friends can recall seeing him at his favorite fishing spot along Highway 17A toward Beaufort, South Carolina, sitting beside the road in his beloved red pickup truck, patiently waiting for the next catch. 

On December 21, 1969, Benjamin was united in holy matrimony to Katherine Breland Jakes. Their loving union was blessed with four children and many years of cherished memories. 

Benjamin is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Jakes, Sr. and Eloise Jakes Lee; his sisters, Nadine Roberts and Mary Elise Black, Barbara Jean Rivers Bowmans and a beloved uncle, James Henry Minus; father & mother-in- law, Dea. Harvell & Viola Breland.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted wife, Katherine Breland Jakes; his children, Cathy Williamson Jakes of Walterboro, South Carolina; Benjamin T. Jakes (Shanielle) of Summerville, South Carolina; Derrick T. Jakes (Wanda) of Staten Island, New York, and Chere Jakes McNeal (Demetrius) of Reaford, North Carolina; twenty-five grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Calvin Lee; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Thelma Ackerman (Garner), Beatrice Cooper (Andrew), Terri Deal (George), Harvell Breland (Mary), Dunk Black, Jr. and Charles Breland; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, dear friends, church family, and the many children whose lives were enriched through the love, care, and guidance his sweet wife provided in their home over the years.

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