Benna Mae Leah Barnett-Lawson

Benna passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 23rd, 2022. She was born in Pocahontas, Arkansas to Herbert and Florence Bennett on November 25th, 1926 where she grew up with her 3 younger brothers, Cliff, Jay, and Darrel. It was in Pocahontas where she met and married her first husband Lecil Barnett in 1946. In 1947 they made their way out to California, moving between San Francisco, Salinas, and Ridgecrest. While in Salinas, she was involved in a car accident where she tragically lost her full-term baby boy, Cecil. In 1956 they moved to Bakersfield, CA where she was a homemaker and raised her 3 boys, Larry, Jerry, and Jackie. Benna was known for her delicious meals, and the best apple cobbler you ever tasted, so good that all the neighborhood children would come over to eat.

After her first husband Lecil passed away in 1973, she met and married her second husband, James, in 1975. During their marriage, they had fun traveling and seeing many interesting things. In 1983 they moved to Hart Flat, CA where they were able to enjoy 9 years of being caretakers on a ranch owned by Noah Beery, whom was best known for starring in western movies and as the actor Rocky in the TV series The Rockford Files. They became great friends with Noah and his wife, Lisa. Together, Benna and Lisa had some wonderful times on the ranch and in Malibu, CA.

Benna loved her family immensely, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored. She was a homemaker, a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved to bake, especially her peanut butter cookies.

Benna was preceded in death by her father Herbert Bennett; mother Florence; first husband Lecil Barnett; second husband James Oliver Lawson; Brothers, Cliff, Jay, and Darrel; children Cecil, Jackie, and Larry; and Step Son James Oliver Lawson II.

Benna is survived by her son Jerry Barnett (Judy); daughter in laws Ronnette Barnett and Martha Lawson; sister in Law Dorothy Bennett; grandchildren Stacie Dollar (David), Heather Quisenberry (Mike), Jenifer Moore (Scott), Jennifer Barnett, James Oliver Lawson III, Matthew Lawson, Shelley Massie (Cliff), and Jessica Duenas; great grandchildren Kelci Quisenberry, Mikey Quisenberry, Keelei Quisenberry, Dakotah Massie, Tanner Massie, Mytchal Moore, Krystyn Moore, Alexandria Moore, Katie Rose Lawson, Lacy Lawson, Ethan Lawson, Elliott Duenas, Emory Duenas; one great-great grandchild Alykzander Moore, and numerous nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Kern River Transitional Care, especially to Liz and Angel. Special shout out to LVN, Kelly who she loved dearly.

Benna was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend. She touched countless lives in her 96 years and her spitfire wit and attitude will be deeply missed by all that loved her, especially her puppy Ruger who she just adored.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Barnett-Lawson family.