Benjamin Harrison Jackson Sr . was born on February 25, 1928. He was the youngest of seven siblings, five brothers: Willie, Wallace, Walter, Frank, James and sister Lottie, born to the late Walter J. and Lelia M. Jackson.

Born and raised in Hanover County Benjamin resided in the Brown Grove community his entire life growing up with no tv's to watch or calculators or computers to assist in doing schoolwork, getting up at the crack of dawn to work the garden or attending to the farm animals. He also grew up at a time when he had to experience the inequities of segregation.

Always eager to learn, he began his education in 1934 at the small two room Brown Grove elementary school. He and his classmates braved the elements of the season walking the unpaved roads to get there. After graduating from elementary school, Benjamin attended Hanover Training school in 1941, the only high school in Hanover County for African American students.

After graduating from high school, Benjamin had an opportunity to attend Virginia State college but instead chose to stay close to home and assist with family activities. He had interest in barbering and enrolled in barbering classes at Maggie Walker Trade School before changing over to brick masonry. Benjamin laid bricks for over 30 years. His most rewarding venture was construction of the First Union Baptist Church in Crozier, Virginia.

On January 26th, 1948, Benjamin married Laura Ester Davis. From this union were five siblings: Irving, Benjamin, Wayne, Lauree and Roshelle.
At age eleven, Benjamin was baptized and joined Brown Grove Baptist Church. He served on the Male Usher Board, sang in the choir, was a Sunday School teacher, superintendent of the Church Sunday School and was ordained as a deacon in 1961. It was while serving on the latter that he received his calling to the gospel ministry.In 1963, he was licensed to preach and was ordained by the Brown Grove Baptist Church on May 23rd, 1968.

He was installed as pastor of First Union Baptist Church, Crozier Virginia on November 17, 1968, where he served as pastor for 26 years before stepping down. He was later called to serve as pastor of First Union Baptist Church for five more years, making a total of 31 years in the church. He was given the honor and title of "Pastor Emeritus" of the First Union Baptist Church. He was also affiliated with other religious and civic groups and is a past Master of the Pride of Hanover Masonic Lodge 264.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Laura, son Irving and all six siblings. He leaves to carry on his legacy two sons, Benjamin Jr. and Wayne and two daughters Lauree and Roshelle. He also leaves two daughters-in law; Jackie and Mary, eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.