Bennie Partain was born Bennie Jean Cain on March 7, 1935 in Cameron, Texas. She grew up in Calvert, Texas and spent most of her adult life in Houston. She died on September 11, 2017 in New Braunfels, Texas. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robby and Susan Partain; her sisters Corky Stratton, Niki Sylvan, Marta Clarke, and Beverly Cambria and husband Joe Cambria; her granddaughter Dawn Merrick and husband Jeff Merrick; her great-grandson J.J. Merrick; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. Bennie was preceded in death by her husband Bob Partain and her parents, Carl and Ethel Cain.
Bennie was a graduate of East Texas State Teachers College, now Texas A&M Commerce, and Houston Baptist University. Her degrees and life’s work were in the field of education. She retired from Houston Independent School District after four decades of elementary school teaching and service as a diagnostician. Though retired, she never stopped being the educator. Her family can attest to the many museums and historical sites she “cajoled” them into visiting while on vacation.
Bennie was a long-time member of Garden Oaks Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. She served there in many capacities over the years including pre-school director and senior adult Sunday School teacher. Most recently she was a member of the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, Texas. Even when she was no longer teaching and no longer physically able to attend her church’s services, she still diligently read her Sunday School lesson each week. Always the educator.
Bennie loved playing bridge, playing Scrabble and other games with her sisters, traveling and celebrating birthdays with her sisters, baking with her granddaughter, and sitting with her great-grandson next to her in her recliner. She loved Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado and taking a drive through the Texas Hill Country. She loved sewing and a good cup of coffee and making sure everyone had plenty to eat, especially at the big family dinners on holidays and special occasions.
Most importantly, Bennie loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 116, verse 15 says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Bennie would tell you that she was a saint not because of anything she had done, but because of what Christ had done for her. She put her faith in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross and in his resurrection. That is why her death was precious in the sight of the Lord – she believed in him. She is most well today in his presence.
The family would like to thank the staff of Kindred Hospice, especially Bennie’s wonderful nurse, Jamie Boubel, and the assisted living staff at Rio Terra. These folks gave loving care to Bennie in her last days and were a great blessing to her family. Thank you so much.
A Celebration of Life service for Bennie Partain will be held at Garden Oaks Baptist Church in Houston on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11am. Visitation will precede the service from 9:30 – 10:45am in the church Fellowship Hall. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Garden Oaks Baptist Church in Houston or the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels.
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