Rev. Edward Benjamin "Ben" Chambers

On Friday, June 8, 1928, Edward Benjamin Chambers, or Ben, as he was fondly called by family and friends, was born in Garden Hill, in the parish of St. Catherine in Jamaica, West Indies. His parents were the late Edward Chambers and Emily (Hutchinson) Chambers.

In his youth, Ben attended Garden Hill Primary School and Dinthill Agricultural High School. During this time, Ben gave his life to Jesus and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior. After graduating high school, Ben joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). After his time on the police force, Ben worked as a Price Inspector at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in the Trade Administrator General's department.

On Saturday, November 24, 1956, Ben wed the lovely Marjorie Lea Shirley. They were married for 62 years. Seeking new and better opportunities for their growing family, Ben and Marjorie migrated to the United States in 1967. Ben did whatever he could to provide for his family, including selling encyclopedias, Bibles, vacuum cleaners, and becoming an insurance broker and photographer. On Tuesday, October 30, 1973, Ben became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Shortly thereafter, Ben was blessed with an opportunity to pass a New York civil service examination. This qualifying achievement led to his service as a court officer, then as a court clerk for over 20 years. Ben retired from the New York court system in June of 1993.

During the 1980s, Ben received the call to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in pastoral ministry. Ben was licensed and ordained by the Eastern New York General Assembly of the Church of God (ENYGA). Ben founded Rosedale Church of God in Queens, NY, which helped bring many lost souls to Christ. As he approached retirement, Ben merged Rosedale Church of God with Westbury Divine Church of God in Westbury, Long Island, NY, serving as a pastor on staff.

In December of 2005, Ben and Marjorie moved to Apopka, Florida. Shortly thereafter, they joined the Apopka Assembly of God, now known as Thrive Church, where they regularly participated in worship and fellowship.

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Reverend Edward Benjamin Chambers of Apopka, FL, passed away into the presence of the Lord, at the age of 96, after an extended illness. Ben will be lovingly remembered as a godly husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, who graciously provided for and protected his family. He was a loyal and faithful friend who went to great lengths to make people feel welcome and helped them in any way that he could. Ben was also a devout and dedicated pastor who took great care of his flock, and had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ben is survived by his children, Errol, Eton (Virginia), Christopher, Donnette (Trevor), and Dwayne (Adelia), his grandchildren Attiyya (Rudshun), Hotep, Moza, Ayende, Lauren, Jordan, Chauncey, Qunasia, and Errol, Jr. and his great-grandchildren Suniyah, Rudakai, Shadae, Shawny, Landon, Joshua, Landan and Erie. Ben is also survived by many nieces and nephews within his extended family. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Marjorie, and recently predeceased by his dutiful son, Ronald.