Joseph A. Benjamin, 61, of North Eighth Street, Niles died at 1:07 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph following a brief illness.

He was born Aug. 5, 1948 in Beterverwagting, Guyana, South America to Eleazer Benjamin and Justina Andries.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from West Indies College in Jamaica and a master in divinity degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs. He earned a master’s degree in psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He has lived in this area since 1979.

Joseph was employed at Park Place Clinical Associates in Kalamazoo. He was a member of Pioneer Memorial Church, where he taught Sabbath School. He also volunteered with other children’s organizations.

He married Shirley V. (Hilliman) Benjamin on June 12, 1975 in Beterverwagting, Guyana.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Joshoil Benjamin, of Niles; granddaughter, Bralen Benjamin; sisters, Mirian Moore, of London, England, Norma Tyndal, of Guyana and Claudette Holder, of Guyana; brother, Eustace Benjamin, of Boston, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, James Benjamin, on Nov. 10, 2000.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010 at Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs with Arnold Swanson, associate pastor of the church, officiating.

There will be no visitation.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.