Julian Bagley Benjamin

Julian Bagley Benjamin, Sr., who resided in the San Gabriel Valley for more than 70 years, passed away on May 20th, 2020 in Pasadena, California at the age of 103, with his devoted daughter at his bedside. Born in 1917 in Baltimore, Maryland to Mary and Goldie Benjamin, Sr., he was the second youngest of eleven children (all of his siblings preceded him in death). His father, Goldie, Sr., was employed in the horse stables in Greenspring Valley, and the family later relocated to Warrenton, Virginia where he continued such work. Julian moved to New York as a young adult, before moving with his brother, Goldie, Jr. to work in the horse stables at Santa Anita Racetrack before World War II started. He met the love of his life, Ellouise Roberts, (who preceded him in death in 2012) at the Ivy Avenue SDA Church, where they were married in 1953. Their union was blessed with two children, Renée and Julian, Jr.

Julian, Sr. loved reading the Bible, and for decades enjoyed going door to door in the community to witness and share his love for God. He had an incredible memory for dates, facts and other statistics and memorized countless Bible verses. He served as an elder and deacon at Ivy Avenue and All Nations SDA churches. He possessed an abiding love for family who enjoyed attending family reunions and was a true peacemaker. He loved the ocean and enjoyed wading into knee deep ocean water, or as his mobility decreased, simply putting his feet in the water.

Both Julian, Sr. and wife Ellouise greatly valued Christian education, and selfishly sacrificed to ensure that both of their children attended SDA educational institutions from elementary school through college--both children received degrees from Loma Linda University, La Sierra campus. In later years on fixed incomes, Julian, Sr. and Ellouise continued their commitment to Christian education by subsidizing the SDA elementary school tuition of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

During his long and productive lifetime, Julian, Sr. demonstrated in countless ways his dedication to God and concern for the welfare of others, earning the respect and affection of all who knew him. His positive spirt was admired by many.

To continue the legacy of their beloved patriarch and consistent with his last wishes, the family is making a donation in his name to Oakwood University (a SDA HBCU) to help defray the tuition expenses of a worthy student from All Nations Church.

He leaves to mourn his passing daughter Renée, son Julian, Jr., grandsons Julian III and Jason (Carolina), granddaughter Janelle, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and other relatives, along with his church family at All Nations Church.

Special thanks to the staff at Camellia Gardens Care Center for the quality care they provided Julian, Sr. over the last few years.

Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, Monrovia, California.