Rachel Louise Benjamin Blue, 65, of Gainesville, was born to the parentage of Elder Alfred S. and Mother W. B. (Ford) Benjamin on Friday, June 22, 1945 in Palatka, Florida. On Monday, October 4, 2010, Rachel answered her Masters eternal call peacefully at her residence. She was educated in the Putnam County School District, graduating from Central Academy High School, class of 1963. Rachel entered the School of Nurse Training at the Historic Brewster Hospital (later to become Methodist Hospital) in Jacksonville while maintaining residency in Palatka. She was employed by the Putnam County School System as Secretary at James A. Long Elementary School and later as a Vocational Guidance Specialist. She also was an administrative assistant at the Northside Neighborhood Facility. Rachel relocated to Palm Beach County and was employed by the Palm Beach County Community Development Agency. In 1973, she relocated to Gainesville and began her nursing career at Shands Teaching Hospital. Subsequently, Rachel entered the School of Cosmetology in Gainesville and became a Board-Certified Instructor. Rachel was a devoted employee of the School Board of Alachua County Media Processing, retiring in 1996 due to health reasons.

Rachel grew up in the Church of God by Faith where her beloved father served as her first pastor, where she maintained her membership. She served in the choir ministry and in her familys singing group, The Benjamin Singers and The Benjamin Sisters. Rachel was a kind, compassionate, and loving daughter, sister, mother and friend. She demonstrated love to all, especially her family and her church family. Rachel not only nurtured her two daughters and grandchildren, but joyously cared for countless children of others. Her hobbies included arts and crafts.

In addition to her parents, Rachel is preceded in eternal rest by her husband, Ralph Blue; beloved daughter, Inagene E. Benjamin-Caldwell; and sister, Virginia Dora Blue.

Cherishing the precious memories: devoted daughter, Tamathia Tami Blue-Gainey; 4 grandchildren, Nicholas L. Blue, Sr., Delia L. (Charles) Caldwell-Hunt, Joseph B. Gainey and Stephanie J. Gainey; 4 great-grandchildren, Nicholas K. Blue, Nicholas L. Blue, Jr., Charles R. Hunt, Jr., & Christopher L. Batie, Jr., all of Gainesville; 4 sisters, Alfredia Benjamin, Naomi B. (Mel) Couzart, both of Gainesville; Ruth E. Benjamin, Lorraine Punch (Sam) Baldwin, both of Palatka; 3 brothers, Alton A. (Lillie Ruth) Benjamin, Gainesville; Clarence W. (Nadell) Benjamin, Memphis TN; Robert W. Bud (Kathy) Benjamin, Jacksonville; son-in-law, John W. Caldwell, Crescent City; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family & friends will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 8 at Palatka Church of God by Faith, 1511 Washington Street, Palatka, Elder Phillip Thomas, Pastor.

Homegoing Celebration will be 3 p.m., Saturday, October 9 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Pastor. Elder Phillip Thomas is the eulogist and Dr. Gilbert L. Evans, Jr., J.D., Ph.D., pastor of Palatka House of God, presiding.

Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, Palatka.