Bernice G Benson

Bernice G. Benson was born to parents Osborne and Louise Galimore in D’Hanis, Texas . She was the second of eight children: Tenora Calloway, Leveda Cantu, and Osborne Galimore, Jr. who preceded her in death; LaVera

Samuels, Hartence Henderson, and James Galimore.

She was a graduate of Phillis Wheatly High School in San Antonio, Texas, attended St. Philip’s College, and graduated with a Secretarial Science degree from (now) Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. After completing her studies at Oakwood she relocated to Dallas, Texas where she was secretary to the head lawyer of the NAACP in Dallas, Texas. With the encouragement of Lowell L. Benson she accepted the position as Administrative Secretary to the

Secretary and Treasurer of the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Nashville, Tennessee.

Lowell and Bernice’s relationship grew and they were united in marriage on Sunday, November 29, 1953 at the Oakland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dallas, Texas. To this union was born one son – Lowell Jr. (Ricky)

and one daughter – Sandra M. Benson-Silas. She has four grandchildren: Calvin, Esteban, Lacy and Austin.

In her earlier years Bernice was a member of the “Choraliers,” an all-female singing chorale under the direction of Charles Cunningham in Dallas, Texas. Some of her favorite past times included brainteasers, word puzzles and sewing.

She also took piano lessons in her later years. Entertaining, cooking, and welcoming others in her home were her specialties. She was also a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan.

She’s was a lifetime member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At Riverside Chapel S.D.A. Church she served as treasury assistant, deaconess, usher, choir member, Pathfinder, and Sabbath School teacher. On December 31, 1991, she retired from 38½ faithful years at the South Central Conference. She continued serving the church through telephone ministries, Seniors of Riverside, and assisted F.H. Jenkins School with their annual fruit sale program.

Bernice passed away in her sleep on Thursday, January 27, 2011. She is survived by husband - Lowell L. Benson, Sr., children - Lowell (Ricky) L. Benson, Jr. (Claire), Sandra M. Benson Silas (Reginald); sisters – LaVera Galimore

Samuels, Hartence Galimore Henderson; brother - James Galimore (Anna); grandchildren – Calvin Carter, Esteban Benson, Lacy Silas and Austin Silas; nieces and nephews – Cindy Williams, Robert Calloway, Ruth Calloway, Diane

Grigsby, James Calloway, Joseph Calloway, Raymond Cantu Joyce Gaines, Joyce Cantu, Carolyn Cantu, Juan Cantu, Thomas Bell Jr., Debra Simms, Brenda Bell, James Bell, Cheryl Gordon and a host of other family members

and friends.

True to her character, she was a loyal and devoted friend and developed many relationships throughout her lifetime. Her closest and dearest friends were Melvene Butler, and Helen Beckett who dedicates this poem:

That Woman is A Success...

Who loves life and lives it to the fullest;

THAT

who has discovered and shared the strengths and talents that are uniquely her own;

WOMAN

who puts her best into each task and leaves each situation better than she found it;

IS A SUCCESS

who seeks and finds that which is beautiful in all people...

and all things;

whose heart is full of love and warm with compassion;

who has found joy in living and peace within herself.

(Barbara J. Burrows)