Mary Inez Bryant Benge, 86, of Lubbock and formerly of Miami, passed away on October 19, 2023 in Lubbock.
Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Monday, October 23, 2023 in Miami Cemetery with Pastor Josh Reeves, pastor of Miami Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Inez was born September 21, 1937 in Sulphur Springs, Texas to Charles William and Mary Orilla Jacobs Bryant. She moved to Miami with her family in 1943 and began school in 1944. Inez graduated from Miami High School in 1956 and went on to attend Frank Phillips College in Borger. She lived with her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Mary Bryant. While in Borger, she had a job at a collection agency. She only lasted 1 semester before returning to Miami. Inez then lived in Amarillo for a time working at the YMCA and worked for Charles on Bushland Street. Inez then returned to Miami and worked at the café.
On March 17, 1961, she and Murl Benge were married at the home of Charles and Orilla Bryant in Miami. He passed away on May 24, 1999. On January 26, 1962, Marla Michel Benge was born in Pampa and December 5, 1963, Brian Murl Benge was born in Pampa.
In 1964, they moved to Dumas where Murl worked at the Diamond Shamrock Gas Plant. They moved back to Miami in 1967. Kara Lea Benge was born on April 13, 1967 in Pampa and on June 17, 1969, Jodie Kae Benge was born.
After Jodie was born, Inez became very active in the Baptist Church, serving as a teacher for the Beginner Class and working with all the other classes in Vacation Bible School. Inez was a Brownie, Cub and Girl Scott leader. She was a member of the Child Study Club, Miami Mixed Bowling League, Pampa Bowling League, and served on the Roberts County Library board as secretary for 25 years. In 1979, she began the delivery of mail on the HRC and did so until Marla took it over in 1982. Inez became the janitor at Miami School in 1982 and was there until 1992. In 1994, she became the librarian for Roberts County Library.
Inez enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, and genealogy. Inez also was interested in star gazing and astronomy. She loved her family and will be missed by all who knew her. Marla and Inez moved to Lubbock in 2001 to live with Brandon Benge.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Bryant, Raymond Bryant, Don Bryant, and Richard Bryant; and a sister, Joan Bryant.
Survivors include her three daughters, Marla Benge of Lubbock, Kara Gorman and husband Joe of Amarillo, and Jodie Benge of San Antonio; a son, Brian Benge and wife Kim of Miami; brother, Bill Bryant of San Marcos; seven grandchildren, Brandon Benge, Whitney Hamilton and husband Matt, Ryan Adams, Kassandra Benge, Kyle Benge, Kasey Benge, and Kaili Benge; and seven great grandchildren.
Memorials can be sent to Roberts County Library, 122 E. Water St., Miami, Texas 79059.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 PM.
Sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com
