…(former) Paraprofessional, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Benz Bots LLC., and a resident of Long Beach, California died unexpectedly on October 27, 2022, at the age of 45 in a motor vehicle accident, involving a scooter and an automobile.

Ben was born in Inglewood, CA on April 23, 1977, to Edmond Lee and Carolyn Whitfield. He attended S.C. Prep then Southwest Middle College High (on Southwest College campus) where he was advanced in all his studies allowing him to graduate high school at the age of 17. He graduated California State University of Dominguez Hills with a degree Liberal Arts in 2007 and worked many years for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a Special Education Paraprofessional, assisting learning, and physically challenged students to overcome their weakness through encouragement, patience, laughter, and love; treating them as if they were his own. Ben later returned to Cal State Dominguez Hills to pursue his master’s degree, double majoring in Business and Psychology. He was extremely proud to be inducted into a Nationally recognized honor society for his outstanding academic performance, as were his loved ones.

The foundation of Ben’s spiritual relationship with the Lord, began at an early age, he was baptized by the time he was 16 and acknowledged his call to ministry shortly after. Ben found his love for singing at Shabach Christian Fellowship Foursquare Church (school and church) where he cultivated his desire to sing gospel music through ministry and the ability to use humor as healing. His love of cooking began in his apartment in downtown Los Angeles, on 3rd Street where he aimed to feed neighbors and friends on a $20 budget. The mentorship of Church Family members, such as Dr. Ramona A. Woods, Conrad Green, Brenda Nathan, Dr Ramona Woods, Cornelius and teachings of Pastor Johnson came to life when Ben laughed! The relationships Benjamin developed with each individual was unique and special whether seasonal or long-term. He was someone that cannot be easily forgotten. To know Ben is to have a funny story that comes to mind that will make you smile from ear to ear. His infectious laugh and amazing heart will not be forgotten as the memory of the time we were blessed to spend with him on this earth has come to an end.

Ben is survived by his Parents: Edmond H. Lee and Carolyn Whitfield-Hook, his Grandfather: Floyd Whitfield (95), his Sister: Chrystal Lee, Brother: Edwin Lee, Aunts: Brenda Sykes and Raynell Mouton, Uncles: O.B. Whitfield, Tommy Lee Whitfield and Doug Sykes, Nieces: Sarah Buchanan, Love Lee and Joy Lee, Great Nephew: Thomas King Thomas, and a host of cousins and friends who loved him. He is predeceased by his Grandmothers: Elaine Miles, Willella and Marie Hurd, Grandfather: Aaron Lee, his Uncles: Floyd Jr. “Chuck” Whitfield, and Henry Hurd, and Aunt: Mary Catherine Jones-Mathis, Marie.