Sweetie Mae Nelson Benjamin was born to the late Jimmy Nelson Sr. and Mary L. Bass Nelson on August 29, 1957, in Dawson, GA. Affectionately called, "Sweetie Mae," she was the oldest of eight children. At an early age, she was educated in the Terrell County Public School System in Dawson, GA. Later her parents and siblings moved to Albany, GA where she finished her education at Coachman Park Elementary (now known as Alice Coachman Elementary School) and Monroe High School.

Making her mark in black history, Sweetie Mae Benjamin was the first and only black female to be a licensed operator for the City of Albany Wastewater Treatment Plan. For 40 years, she worked honorably pioneering opportunities for generations to come. Defying social norms for African -American women, she also enjoyed being a carpenter. She could fix or build anything. Other hobbies included arts and crafts, sewing, and being active in her church.

Sweetie Mae was a member of Mount Mary Baptist Church in Sasser, GA and later moved her membership to Third Kiokee Missionary Baptist Church. There, she was a diligent, hardworking member serving the usher board, willing -workers, kitchen committee and investing in today 's youth. She enjoyed going to church, spending time with her only daughter, Mary, family, friends, and co -workers. Ms. Benjamin lived each day to the fullest as a sweet, hardworking mother, sister, and friend.

On January 30, 2024, a gentle voice whispered, "Servant of God well done." A final call uttered that her soul may rest in peace.

Sweetie Mae was preceded in death by her siblings; Jimmy Nelson Jr., Clara M. Nelson and Bessie D. Nelson.

The legacy of Sweetie Mae Benjamin 's season of life is left to her loving, sweet baby, Mary Denise Freelove (Jalen M. Watkins) of
Albany, GA, her two sisters; Brenda Kay Nelson (Solomon) of Savannah, Ga and Lenda Ray Nelson -Simmons of Albany, GA, her two brothers; Willie Perry Nelson (Josefine) of Germany and Murry Nelson of Albany, GA. She also leaves her aunt Rosa Mae Hall, best friends; Maxine Walker (Ivie), Ruth Crawford, Ruth Smith, her favorite coworker Jimmy Soilberry of 40 years. A host of nieces, nephews, coworkers, and church family who will forever cherish her impact, influence and impartation.