Ivory L. Benjamin

Ivory Lee Milton Benjamin, 83 of Massillon Ohio passed away on January 17, 2022. He was born to Oralee Bodiford Benjamin and Greeley Milton in Luverne, Alabama, on December 8, 1938. He was a 1958 graduate of Washington High School. Ivory was a star running back for the Massillon Tiger Football Team, Ivory had many accomplishments while playing football and well known in the community for his skills. He went on to play at Tennessee ANI State, he was inducted into the Amateur Football Hall of Fame and The Negro League Football Hall of Fame. He also spent years volunteering for the area Foodbanks. Ivory is survived by his children, Annette Benjamin, Sabrina Brinson, Todd (Millie) Brinson, Felicia (Abraham Jr) Smith, Bernard Jefferson and Christine Pullin; 22 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 4 great- great grandchildren; and siblings Francis Benjamin and Marva Blunt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his life partner of over 40 years, Christina Brinson; children Angela Benjamin, Terri Johnson and Alicia Benjamin: and siblings Charles Benjamin and Hazel Chatters. Ivory had a special friendship with Leilani McHenry his classmate and friend for over 40+ years. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 10am-12pm at the Paquelet Funeral Home with a Home Going Celebration to be held at 12pm in the funeral home, Pastor Walter J. Arrington officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Messages of support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory 330-833-3222