Jeanette Benton Berndt

Jeanette Benton Berndt passed away peacefully on March 28th 2026.

Jeanette, also known to everyone as net and little Lulu, was born on July 23rd, 1943 in Waxahachie, Texas to Elsie and Wiliford Donawho.  Jeanette had many siblings whom she loved and shared a special bond, many times they seemed inseparable, always leaning on each other during difficult times. She often spoke highly of her siblings, holding each of them close to her heart. Jeanette enjoyed spending time with her family most, with many beautiful memories and holiday festivities that brought everyone close together each passing year. As each family grew larger so did her love for each new addition that she would offer that hospitality in rare form to just come on in, no need to knock! Jeanette was always open to family and friends staying as long as they like. Her heart was kind, warm and full of compassion for others.

Jeanette embarked on college at The University of Texas at Arlington in her thirties. During this time she juggled nursing school and family which included three children. After she earned her Bachelor’s degree in nursing, she started working in the emergency department and there her nursing career began. Some joked calling her Dr. Jeanette because she loved saving lives and loved to diagnose - always working slightly outside her scope of expertise but even so, she was rarely incorrect. She loved her work and this profession became part of her soul.

Jeanette was not only a nurse but she was an artist who could sing like an angel. Her voice was strong and carried so much that people would often request her to sing. She could always be found on stage, letting that stunning voice of hers blow people away with her amazing sound. She loved Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Etta James and if you closed your eyes, they were singing right through her! Jeanette, such a beautiful heart with many talents and big dreams never loved anything more than her family.

Jeanette was a woman of great character, talent and strong faith. She believed in the Lord, Jesus Christ and always knew one day she would reunite in peace with her family. If Jeanette could speak to us all now she would say - Don’t be sad for me because I’m in heavenly peace with my beloved family - Bobby Benton, Cloreese Benton, Robbie Camp, Jonathan Zurek, Christine Capps, Bea Pinyan, Blondie Meadows, James Donawho, Linda Crew, Vincent Donawho and many in laws, Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom are holding her in heavenly peace.

She is survived by her children Keith Benton, Candace Zurek, daughter in law Debbie Benton, son in law Bruce Zurek, sister Ima Jean Donawho McReynolds, grandchildren Brandy Barton and her spouse Gary Barton, Keith Benton Jr and his spouse Emily Benton, Jerry Benton, Michael Zurek, Elsie Garcia, Eric Castanuela, Brandy Hood, Christopher Zurek, Austin Zurek and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends waiting until the day they see her again in glory!