Benita Marie Hernandez

Benita Marie Flores Hernandez was born November 25, 1960 and was called to her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. She is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Ignacio and Juanita Ramirez; paternal grandparents, Frank and Carmen Benevides Flores; and Godparents, Jacinto and Nora Guerrero. Benita will be greatly missed by her sons, Henry III, James Luis and Michael John; and her husband, Henry; her parents, Frank and Delfina Flores; her brother and his wife, Mike and Ruth Flores; and her sister and her husband, Carita and David Flores. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends and her two beloved Chihuahuas, Bella and Canella; a cat, Domino; James’ dog, Cali; and a bird, Livy. Visitation will be from 4:30 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, September 23, 2012 at Brookside Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 am Monday, September 24, 2012 at Brookside Funeral Home Chapel, immediately followed by internment. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

As a small child, Benita lived in the Denver Harbor area of Houston where she spent enjoyable time at Wesley House Community Center. Her maternal grandparents, Ignacio (Tata) and Juanita (Nana) Ramirez, owned a small store and she would learn about business. Her paternal grandparents, Frank and Carmen Flores owned a café where she learned about making the best hamburgers. Benita had many cousins and extended family with whom she enjoyed playing.

Her family moved to Aldine and lived next door to her maternal grandparents. She was very close to her grandparents who taught her many life lessons while instilling religion in her life. Benita had a passion for dance and music and was a lead dancer for the ballet folklorico group, Quetzalcoatl, and excelled at playing the flute and piccolo. Benita sang in the El Mesias Methodist Church choir. She also was selected to compete in the Fiestas Patrias Pageant as a finalist. She graduated in 1979 from Douglas McArthur High School where she was active in band and other activities. It was during this time that she and Henry began their long courtship.

Benita began her professional career as an accounting coordinator with Global Marine. She continued developing her skills in this area through classes at Houston Community College (HCC). She later moved to the Washington, DC area and spent two years working with Software AG as an Accounting Assistant. She developed an interest in the dental field and returned to Houston where she completed her studies as a Dental Assistant at HCC.

She moved to Los Angeles after completing her studies and immediately began working as a Dental Assistant for her first dental practice. Benita continued her professional development and became a Certified Dental Assistant (she maintained it current to this day) and Certified Radiologist. Her knowledge of business and accounting primed her for advancement as Dental Administrative Manager for a practice in L.A. She was sought after by various dental practices to improve their business processes.

Finally, after a long courtship, Benita and Henry were married in 1985 at First United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Benita became a Dental Office Management Consultant for several area Los Angeles dental practices. She enjoyed entertaining and hosting friends at the house. She also enjoyed spending time with Henry’s extended family and friends in the L.A. area. During this time, Benita liked to travel to Mazatlan, Mexico and it became a mainstay vacation spot for her and the family.

She became a mother with her first child, Henry O. Hernandez III, in 1988. She celebrated all the firsts with “Li’l” Henry – first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, first Valentine’s Day, etc. She enjoyed celebrations with friends and family. Benita continued with her dental consulting career after a brief stay at home. Benita and family returned to Houston while she was pregnant with her second son, James Luis. He was born in 1990. Fifteen months later in 1992, Michael John was born. People kept asking her if they were twins (she would dress them the same) – she tired of explaining the age difference and would reply with a big YES! Her children demanded much of her attention and she enjoyed the various ways to entertain them. In spite of this, she continued with her dental assisting career and found continued successes.

When her children were younger, Benita spent her free time volunteering. She was den mother for cub scouts, she really loved those boys, and was troop leader for the Annual Popcorn Sales drive. As her children grew, she was always there cheering and supporting them any way she could in sports and school activities. Celebrations continued to be a part of her life, as well as her spiritual growth and faith through First United Methodist Church and Atascosita United Methodist Church.

Benita and family moved to Connecticut in 1999 where she continued as a consultant. Her new church family was at Nichols United Methodist Church. She was an organizer for various church activities and volunteering for the boys in their various sports and other interests. She served on the board of the local Pop Warner football program and managed the snack shack (her introduction of breakfast tacos was a real hit). Her spiritual journey thrived and her faith strengthened. She developed a large collection of Roosters, an emblem of the Tres Dias spiritual growth organizations. Her home is filled with various sizes and designs of Rooster porcelain figures, plates and other memorabilia. Benita continued to enjoy life through others by being a loyal friend and colleague. Her commitment to family was always important, as well as instilling values in the children. Holidays were always important as she hosted one notable one – Three Kings Day, January 6, which would become one of the favorites for everyone.

Benita’s zest for business led her to launch Precious Cargo, a children’s transportation company, in September 2001. She built the business from the ground up and created a recognizable brand in the region. Her employees, as well as her clients, loved her. Her company drives them to school, sports and other activities. Some of her early clients have already gone to college and graduated. Benita grew in her knowledge of information technology and high tech gadgets and management tools. Her energy, drive and can do attitude served her well as an entrepreneur.

Benita returned to Texas in June 2009. She was already suffering from a chronic kidney condition and sought treatment through area specialists. It did not halt her from continuing to manage her business and being involved with activities. Her commitment and loyalty to her family and friends did not falter. In 2010, Benita helped organize the Guerrero Family Reunion. Her last major project was to help co-coordinate with her cousin the Flores Family reunion scheduled for November of this year. Benita will certainly be there in spirit to make sure it goes off without a hitch.

Benita continued to battle her kidney disease with various treatments, but most recently experienced several setbacks. Her condition continued to worsen and she passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. Even in her passing, her selflessness and celebration of life continued as a donor for the Gift of Life Program. This was her last contribution on this earth.