Benjamin Ervin Braden, Jr.

Benjamin Ervin Braden Jr also known as ”Ben”; Benny Jr” was born on December 9, 1969 to Gloria Braden (Matos)and Benjamin Braden Sr. in Wayne, Michigan. He was raised by his mother in Detroit and spent his summers in Nashville, TN with his father. His older sister Monica was always there to protect him and keep him out of trouble as much as she could. His mother was his rock. A strong woman who created a strong man. Nothing could ever break the mother/son bond that they created throughout his 52 years of life.

Benjamin's educational journey started out where he was noted as a class clown due to him telling jokes and acting silly. Every bit of the extrovert that he was. He bored easily and loved math. He has always been wise beyond his years.

Benjamin enjoyed watching and playing sports. He played baseball and football. He went to Nashville for a year and became a football celebrity due to him being so great at it. He was interviewed by the news and written up in the newspapers. He won many trophies for his athleticism.

He also enjoyed music. In his early years he loved rap music aka gangsta rap, but later on his life was introduced to jazz and many other genres. Even though he loved music, he was not that much of a dancer, although he tried. He did not have rhythm at all.

Benjamin was a free spirit. He was wild, resilient, and had a strong heart. Anything that was ever thrown his way he conquered and that was true about him until the end of his life. He had many friends and throughout his life he met and accepted so many people along the way. Ben was a great judge of character and once he accepted you; there was nothing he wouldn’t do for you.

Benjamin was loved, well-respected, and admired by all those who knew him. Despite the obstacles he faced in life, he built a family and that was ultimately the most important thing in his life. He enjoyed being outdoors, cooking, grilling, and spending time with those he loved. His fiancé Tonia was his best friend. They did everything together and made the best team.

Benjamins family was his greatest accomplishment in his life. His daughter, son and grandson were the apple of his eye. He was sure to always support, encourage, and maintain their relationship. The joy that his children and grandson brought will be something that will forever live on. The Chosen One is what he referred to himself as. He was God’s strongest solider and was called home November 29th, 2022.

He is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Ervin Braden Sr.

He is survived by his children, daughter, Alexis Braden, son, Dezmond Braden, grandson, Tyler Mazeikis Jr., mother, Gloria Matos (Louis), his grandmother, Malinda Grant, sister, Monica Porter (Tyrone), Fiance, Tonia Gordon, step son, Adler Gordon, nephews: Mylen Denzel Porter and Tyrell Nelson Porter, aunts: Pamela Vawters and Zina Taylor, uncles: Allen Walker and Jonathan Bennett Sr. and a host of cousins and friends.

He will be missed beyond measure but will forever live in our hearts and memories.