Berniece Bennett

Age 63, of Clio, died Thursday, September 12, 2019, at Ascension Genesys in Grand Blanc. A funeral service will take place 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Martin Funeral, Cremation, and Tribute Services in Mount Morris. Berniece’s family will be present to receive friends Thursday morning from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Non Commissioned Officers Association. Donations may be made through Berniece’s memorial page at martinfuneralhome.com, or envelopes are available at the funeral home. Berniece was born in Germany, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William and Louise (Geibenhoner) Bennett. She immigrated to the United States when she was a small child. Educated locally, Bernice graduated from Powers Catholic High School in 1974. After graduation, she heeded the call of her country, and following in the legacy of her family’s military service, serving proudly in the United States Army. Bernice was a trailblazer for women in the Armed Services. After a paperwork mix up, she would be the first woman to graduate from Drill Sargent academy in Fort Knox, Kentucky, graduating first in her class. She would go on to serve in the active reserves in Operation Desert Storm, as a Drill Sargent, and as a military recruiter. In her retirement from the military, she would go on to serve as the President of the Flint chapter of the Non Commissioned Officers Association. Her love and service for her country would inspire her son Michael to join the Military, enlisting at the same recruiting station at the Dort Mall! Bernice would continue her career as a Bookkeeper with PrintComm printing company, until her death. Bernice loved to serve others. Whether it was cooking meals, or having candy on hand, she was there to show love and support. She was a bright light, that will be missed. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Lisa Herpel, and husband, Dan Riesterer, Maria Kehoe, and Michael and wife, Patricia Kehoe; grandchildren: Aidan Henderson, Zoie Riesterer, Berniece Dattilo, and Hannah Kehoe; brothers: Billy Bennett, Edward Bennett, Rolland Bennett, and Richard Bennett; special friends: Ronnie Bitters, and Rosa Gonyea; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.