Benjamin Lee Brokenburr Sr.

Benjamin Lee Brokenburr, Sr., was the second oldest of six children born to the late Myrtle Anne and Samuel L. Brokenburr on October 30, 1947. On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, he earned his heavenly wings at Sentara Careplex Hospital in Hampton, VA. He was a lifelong resident of Hampton and a 1969 graduate of Pembroke High School. He worked as a pipefitter for Newport News Shipbuilding and retired after 43 years of service. He also held side jobs cleaning the American Legion bingo hall and The Rendezvous restaurant in Phoebus, bagging groceries at Langley Air Force Base Commissary however nothing compared to his love for selling watermelon, cantaloupe, corn, sweet potatoes, and collard greens. His infectious smile and warm nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel L. Brokenburr, Jr., two sisters: Lula May Yarbough and Dorothy Meminger. He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Keela Cooley-Mattei (Felix) of Richmond, VA.; one son, Benjamin Lee Brokenburr, Jr. (Jamie) of Richmond, VA.; one sister Marie Lowery of Buffalo, New York; seven grandchildren: LaShai, Jaequan, A’jane, Jamel, Janasia, Amauri, and Jamya; three great grandchildren, five nephews, one niece and a host of other relatives and friends. 

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