Benjamin Heyward Sr

Benjamin Heyward, Sr., born July 12, 1947, peacefully transitioned to paradise on February 5, 2026. He was the son of the late Seal and Rebecca Bradley Heyward. No matter what their position in life, Benjamin had a unique and extraordinary ability to connect with people. He was compassionate and had a heart full of love, tenderness, humbleness, and kindness. He epitomized these qualities through his actions and through living a life of service. His belief was that if his fellowman needed help, then help him. This is what he believed, and this is how he lived.

Benjamin was educated in the Charleston County Public Schools. He was employed with the United States Postal Service and the Department of Transportation for many years.

A man of faith, Benjamin was a former member of Southern Baptist Church, Manhattan, New York, where he was a former Deacon. His current church membership was held with First Missionary Baptist Church, Concord, North Carolina, where he often drove the church van and volunteered in the Bread Basket Ministry. In his leisure time, he enjoyed cheering for the Carolina Panthers Football Team, landscaping, and listening to music, especially his favorite artist, James Brown. He never met a stranger that he could not talk to and he possessed a clever and disarming sense of humor that endeared him to those he met. He often left others with a smile or a laugh after they went their separate ways.

Benjamin married Elizabeth Hinson Heyward. They were a devoted couple and celebrated 42 years of marital bliss.

Those left to remember and cherish loving memories are his wife, Elizabeth Heyward; son, Benjamin (Xinying Serena Oh) Heyward, Jr.; daughters: Zina Spicer, Sonya (Donald) Harris, Uraina Heyward, and Kim J. (Maurice) Smith; five grandchildren; three brothers: Seal Heyward, Jr., Secel (Evelyn) Heyward and Blease D. (Thelma) Heyward; sisters: Mary (John Lee) Green, Pastor Anna (Apostle Benjamin) Anthony, Janie Jackson, Arizon (Rudolph) Moses, Minister Martha Grant, Minister Rosetta Hawkins and Alaina C. (Shawn) Gayle; uncle, James Johnson; aunts: Ethel Johnson and Desiline Johnson; brothers-in-law: Joseph King and Major King; sister in laws, Martha (Robert) Cowan, Brenda King and Joann (Ronald) Dasent; special nieces: Barbara Ford-Grampus and Tiffiney (Curt) Nelson; nephew: Rodney Kewkirk; special friends: Robert (Delores) Cash, Kenneth (Vanessa) Chambers; a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Benjamin's life journey was blessed with many friends, neighbors, church members, and coworkers. He will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him and will be remembered for his kindness and generosity.