Benjamin Majied Baiyina

On May 20, 1956, the first child of the late Retha Lee Biggoms (Daniels) and Benjamin Thomas was born as Benjamin DeWayne Biggoms. Later in life Benjamin decided to legally change his name to Benjamin Majied Baiyina.  For the greater part of his life, we addressed him as Majied.  He was always very independent and made a way for himself no matter what.  As a child Majied actually transferred himself from one elementary school to another without his mother even knowing.  Majied graduated from 8th grade at Maple Avenue School and 12th grade at South Side (Shabazz High School).   While at South Side, Majied was a very good basketball player and recognized for his skill level often.  Later, Majied married Betsy Foster who gave birth to his only child, Binyamin Baiyina.

Majied was very smart and had a memory like an elephant.  It felt like he remembered everyone he ever encountered in life.  Often times telling his sister Kim “You don’t remember anybody”.  Majied was very family oriented and loved his family a great deal.  No matter where life took him, Majied always made it his business to stay in contact with his family members and friends.  He desired to have a relationship with everyone in his family.  Majied was very personable and made an impact on everyone he encountered.

On May 1, 2019 after battling liver cancer, Majied was called home.  Up until his last day, he wanted all of his family and friends to know that he loved them all very deeply.  Majied was preceded in death by his mother, Retha Daniels, and father, Benjamin Thomas.  Majied leaves behind to cherish memories his only son- Binyamin Baiyina; wife- Betsy Baiyina; one grandchild,- Christian Grace; his God father, Johnny Shabazz; two brothers- Darryl and Akbar Daniels; three sisters- Kim Daniels, Shakasha Stevenson and Sharice Gray; his aunt Willie Bell Massenberg of Dunedin, Fl.; his great aunt- Beatrice Smith of Dunedin, Fl.; his great-great aunt- Lilian Reed of Orangeburg, SC.; 10 nieces and nephews; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.  Majied will be missed by many!