Janet K. Bennett

BENNETT, JANET K - “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 were the words Janet must have heard as she was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 5, 2016.

Janet K. Bennett (Crocker), age 69, with her family by her side, was called home just five short months after being diagnosed with ALS. She fought hard, while keeping her grace, faith and dignity through it all.

Janet was born April 30, 1947 in Plant City, Florida. She grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and was a true Southern lady to the soul, shown easily through her fantastic cooking. Janet moved to Michigan when she and her husband of 50 years were married. Janet was a person who always saw the good in everyone and everything. Creativity flowed through every inch of Janet, from singing and playing piano, to sewing creative costumes for her children and grandchildren. Janet loved to serve others, and her love for the Lord was evident in all that she did. She was actively involved for many years in Oakdale United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday and Bible School, and led many children to come to know the Lord. Her Oakdale friends were always family to her. Janet also treasured her Sears’ friends, where she worked as a manager for over 25 years.

After Janet’s retirement, she began volunteering with her daughter at Wyoming Public Schools, where the kids called her “Grandma Jan.” Janet very quickly became a surrogate grandmother to many students, and enjoyed it immensely. She adored her own grandchildren and was so proud of all they did. Faith and Nolan treasured each moment they spent with her, even as this terrible disease made her too sick to leave home.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents Charles Grady and Kathleen Harris Crocker; sister Marcia Brasher; and brothers John, Jim and Michael Crocker.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Larry C. Bennett; adoring daughter and son-in-law Kellie (Michael) Self; loving grandchildren Faith and Nolan Self; son and daughter-in-law Christopher (Julie) Bennett; grandchildren Christian, Jacob, Taylor, Isabella and Isaias. Also surviving are two brothers Ray (Chris) Crocker, Charles (Betty) Crocker, as well as a sister-in-law Deanna Crocker, and brother-in-Law N.R. Brasher.

Cremation has taken place, but friends and family may meet the family from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11 at the Cook Funeral Home (West building), 4235 Prairie St., S.W., Grandville. A Celebration of Janet’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 12 at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Drive, N.W., Allendale.

Contributions in memory of Janet may be made to ALS of Michigan - West Michigan Chapter, 678 Front Ave., NW, Suite 177, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616-459-1900) in hopes that others do not have to suffer from this horrible disease.

The family welcomes memories and message in their online guestbook at www.cook.cares.com.