Geraldine "Gerry" Bennefield

Geraldine “Gerry” L. Bennefield, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, while a patient at the UPMC – Shenango Campus, Farrell, following a period of declining health. She was 74.

Mrs. Bennefield was born on February 28, 1943, in Farrell, a daughter to Wade & Irene (Farrow) Johnson.

A 1961 graduate from Farrell High School, she furthered her education at the former Shenango Valley Business School where she studied Business Administration.

She was passionate about her work as a director for AWARE, Inc., a Mercer County Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency. Furthermore, she also held the same capacity for the ARK House in Farrell which provided shelter to homeless women with children. Geraldine also enjoyed spending her time volunteering at Minority Health Advocacy for several years and was a vital part of their “Grandparents Program.”

She was the first lady of the Third Episcopal District of Apostolic Ministries, Inc. where her husband currently is District Bishop.

In 1983 her faith led her to Greater New & Living Way Temple of the Apostolic Faith, Sharon, Pennsylvania, where she was water baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Spirit. She later became a licensed minister and was also a member of the Gospel Ensemble, Mass Choir, Administrative team and Pastor’s Stewards. She was also a Sunday School Secretary, and worked in the Ministry of Comfort.

Geraldine had a sincere love for people and always made a point to make them feel special, welcome, and wanted. Her “matter-of-fact” personality, thumbs up, pointing of a finger, and smile was encouraging to everyone around her. She enjoyed sending cards just to let her spiritual family and loved ones know she was thinking of them and of course always praying for them. Her love for her family kept her in constant prayer for them and she always had faith that her family would have what they need and feel her love for them.

In her spare time, she enjoyed, reading her Bible and devotional books, shopping, bowling, traveling, watching TV game shows, and most of all; spending time with her husband. Geraldine deeply loved her husband with all of her heart and always supported him even on days when her health seemed to be failing. Wherever Bishop Bennefield went; Minister Bennefield followed.

She is survived by: her mother, Irene Johnson, Hermitage, Pennsylvania; her husband, Bishop Stephen L. Bennefield, Farrell, whom she married January 14, 1984; her children, Stephen L. Bennefield, Jr. (Destinee), Niles, Ohio, Janise Brown, York, Pennsylvania, Learl Jordan, Charleston, West Virginia, and Jerrold Jordan, Wheatland, Pennsylvania; her sisters, Karen Weston (Ronald), and Marie Davis, both Farrell; her 10 grandchildren, Kennard (DeNean) Davis, Kelly Davis, Mactavia Bostick, Denard Zamora, Angela Zamora, Devan Jordan, Tiera Williams, Talia Williams, Jerrold Jordan, Jr., & Akira Cameron; and her 9 great-grandchildren, Kennard Jr., Ella, Neyana, Zer'reayla, Zer'reon, Ky'tarra, Ky'laysia, Ky'eir, & Ky'ete,

She was preceded in death by her father; daughter, Karen Jordan; granddaughter, Ashley Bostick; and brother, Wade Johnson, Jr.

A celebration of life service honoring Ms. Geraldine will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017, at 1:00 PM in the Greater New & Living Way Temple of the Apostolic Faith Church, located at 840 Highland Rd., Sharon, Pennsylvania, 16146, where Bishop Alvin McCoy will officiate and Apostle Sonja Theodore will offer her eulogy. Family and friends are welcome to share in a time of gathering at the church beginning at 11:00 AM until the time of service.

As suggested by her family, memorial contributions can be made to the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for her family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Coordination of this tribute for Mrs. Bennefield will be presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, located on the historic village green at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135).