Frances Bennett

Frances "Mam" Havard Bennett, age 75, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 15, 2016. She was at the Park Manor of South Belt, Houston, TX at the time of her death.

Frances was born March 22, 1940, in Baytown, TX to Eugene Weldon Havard and Alicia Josephine Houston Havard.

Frances'' life reflects a commitment to God, her church and community, and a love for her family and friends. She grew up in the Baytown area and made her profession of faith and was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Highlands, Texas when she was nine years old. Throughout her life she was active in her church. She attained the highest level in the Girls'' Auxiliary, Queen Regent. During her teen age years, she was a member of the 4-H Club and showed a grand champion hog at the Baytown Fair. From the proceeds of the sale of the Grand Champion hog, she purchased her first piano and became a dedicated church pianist for the rest of her life.

After graduating from Robert E Lee High School in Baytown, TX, she attended Baylor University where she met the love of her life. She married Rev. Ray Earl Bennett of Corpus Christi, Texas in the First Baptist Church of Highlands, Texas, June 20, 1959.

She served as a pastor''s wife first at Greenvine Baptist Church, Burton, Texas, Live Oak Baptist Church, at Live Oak, CA, Cherokee Baptist Church, Cherokee, TX, Parkdale Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, The Woodlands Baptist Church in The Woodlands, Texas, and at First Southern Baptist Church, of Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. While Ray was teaching at Howard Payne University, Frances served as secretary at First Baptist Church, Brownwood, TX. Almost 40 years later, she returned with "Dr. Ray" to Greenvine Baptist Church to complete their ministry career in the same little church where it had all begun!

She served as secretary and church pianist at many of these churches. She loved to sing and was involved in many special choir presentations. Frances thoroughly enjoyed her last two years living in Brookdale Assisted Living close to Barton and Bernadette in Houston, Texas where she became a member of University Baptist Church. She enjoyed bible study classes, participating in senior adult activities, and special events. Most of all, she cherished her special time with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Weldon Havard and Alicia Josephine Houston Havard, her true love of 52 years, Dr. Ray Earl Bennett, who passed away February 3, 2012.

Frances is survived by her son Barton Ray Bennett and wife Bernadette Anne Bennett of Houston TX, and her daughter Belynda Kay Bennett of Giddings, TX, her brother Dr, Harold W. Havard and his wife, Janice, her sister Lois Diane Carey and husband Mike. Her sisters-in-law Glenda and Kenneth E. Crowl of Tempe, AZ, Wanda Altom of Hillsboro, TX, and Nelda and Jerry Burney of Mabank, TX.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jacqueline Nicole Bennett Cahill, Gary Scott Bennett, Kevin Peter Bennett, Brandi Michelle Bennett, and Brandon Alexander Bennett. Three great-grandchildren, Bailey Elizabeth Bennett, Caitlin Paige Cahill, and Colton Elias Stoner. She leaves behind many special nephews, nieces, family members, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 23, 2016, at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham Texas, with Rev. Paul Glenn (cousin) & Phil McDonald officiating and Duane Blakley and Matt Marsh offering special music. Graveside services will follow at the Greenvine Baptist Church Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Greenvine Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Mike Carey, James Carey, Barton Bennett, Gary Bennett, Kevin Bennett and Brandon Bennett

Memorials may be made to the Greenvine Baptist Church - Cemetery Care, 5010 FM Rd 2502, Burton, TX 77835-5138. Phone 979-836-8058. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham, Tx. 77833. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.