Bennie Jane Martin

Bennie Jane Martin, 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2021, at First Street Church of Christ with interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Bennie was born in Lampasas, Texas on November 26, 1936, to Ben and Janie Lang.  She lived in Kingsland until they moved to Lampasas at the age of 8.  She graduated from Lampasas High School in 1954 and attended the University of Texas at Austin.  Bennie married Gary Alan Martin on February 14, 1959, in Lampasas, Texas.  They owned Martin's restaurant until 2005.  Bennie loved her customers and her employees.  She had many customers that came in several times per day and many that would travel through Lampasas - knowing them each by name, where they lived, and where and why they were traveling.  She was a faithful member of the First Street Church of Christ.

Bennie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ben and Janie Lang; grandson, Samuel Henderson; sister-in-law, Jan Leaman; brother-in-law, Don Leaman, and many family members and friends.

Bennie is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gary Martin; daughters, Laurie Henderson (Greg), Janna Hammett (Richard), Julie Bucek (Mark); grandchildren, Matthew (Danielle), Macy, Cara Beth (Ryan), Ben (Makayla), Molly (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Dawson, Madeline; brother, Roland Lang (Wanda) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends, including Margaret O'Neal, her lifelong friend.  Bennie was blessed with many friends her entire life.

Bennie enjoyed traveling by van with Gary and their friends.  She loved traveling many summers with her Texas Belles (girlfriends) to Nashville and Kentucky.  There were many fabulous family lake trips with lifelong friends and their families.  There were Colorado and New Mexico ski trips, Louisiana and Las Vegas road trips.  Bennie did not fly.  Special times were also opening deer season weekend in Sipe Springs, Texas.  Some of their best memories were made on these trips.  Bennie and Gary played bridge weekly from 1970 with Wayland and Wanda Lesley, monthly with their bridge group and she played weekly with friends.  She enjoyed her weekly Bible study for many years and enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and loved watching Jeopardy each day.  Bennie was an avid supporter of the Lampasas Spring Ho Festival since 1972 and a great source of information on Lampasas history.  She instilled her love of reading and music in her girls.  Some of her favorites were Neil Diamond, the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Marty Robbins, and Kris Kristofferson.  Bennie made the best chocolate cream pie that she shared with many.

Bennie was a kind, gentle, loving, and hard-working honorable woman of great character.  She was a faithful servant to Jesus.  She is believed to be the best Mom in the world by her daughters and the best and kindest grandmother by her grandchildren.  Laurie, Julie, and Janna always said Bennie learned from the best, their grandmother.  She loved her children, grandchildren, and her sons-in-law with all her heart and loved their visits and calls.  

We understand everyone's concern about COVID and attending gatherings.  Please know we have felt your love, prayers, and comfort during this time.  Due to Covid-19, the family requests you wear a mask and/or maintain social distancing if you attend the services.  Thank you.

Memorials in Bennie's name can be made to the following charities: Rock Church Cemetery, P.O. Box 193, Kempner, TX, 76539, Library Foundation of Lampasas, 201 S. Main St, Lampasas, TX, 76550, First Street Church of Christ, Lampasas, TX.