Bendine Minish Parham Hoechst

Bendine grew up on her family farm in Commerce, Georgia, and attended Ila High School. Following graduation, she moved to Athens to attend Athens Business School. She worked for the City of Athens for 40 years, first as a secretary, then as Administrative Assistant to the Athens Mayor, and finally, as manager of the Purchasing Department.

Bendine was an active member of First Christian Church of Athens for over 60 years. She loved her church and congregation dearly, even writing several poems conveying the history of the church. During her failing health, she continued to regularly attend Sunday services.

Bendine was an avid golfer, winning many golfing tournaments at Athens Country Club where she was a member. She played several rounds of golf each week into her 80s and recorded 2 holes-in-one during her golfing career.

Always ready for a new adventure, Bendine began painting in her 70's, and quickly became a gifted artist. She completed many oil and water color paintings, capturing scenes of wildlife, nature and the countryside. Her paintings were exhibited and auctioned at many different events.

Bendine had a gift for making everyone feel special. This unique ability resulted in family and friends alike considering themselves Bendine’s "favorite.” She greeted you with an endearing “hello, hello, hello” and often answered someone’s “I love you” with “I love you more!”

Mrs. Hoechst was preceded in death by her first husband, J.D. Parham, in 1986 and by her second husband, Harvey Hoechst in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Hix Minish, and father, Bennett Tillman Minish, brother, Dr. Benjamin T. Minish, stepson, Douglas Hoechst, nephew, Kim Minish, and great nephew, Justin Fitzpatrick.

Survivors include stepson, David Hoechst (wife, Tere) of Nicholson and stepdaughter, Susan Spraggon of Pensacola, Florida; nieces, Linda Jones of Athens, Deatrice Minish Fountain III (husband, James) of Moultrie, and Diana Minish Fitzpatrick Whitlock of Commerce; nephews, Tracy Minish (wife, Sherry) of Houston, Texas; Kelley Minish of Athens (fiancee’, Missy Hill). She is also survived by several great nephews, great nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Athens, followed by private family graveside service to be held at the Erastus Christian Church Cemetery in Commerce, Ga.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 15 from 4-6 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.