Berenice Farmer

Berenice Leola Farmer, age 91, of Seventh Street, Niles, Michigan died on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Saint Joseph, Michigan following an extended illness. Berenice was born December 29, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph Henry, Jr. & Berenice (Kessler) Strotter.

Berenice was a member of the Franklin AME Church, and prior to her illness, she was the musician for the church. She was also a former member of the Nonchalant Women’s Club in Chicago, 6 Voices and 1 of Niles, Mirian Chapter #56 of the Order of the Eastern Star - Prince Hall Affiliated, the Mother Voguettes of Niles, and the Niles Garden Club.

On July 6, 1966 in Chicago, she married Everett Farmer, who preceded her in death. Surviving children include Patricia (& Herman) Flowers and Ada Stevenson, both of Niles, Lori Whaley and Mary Jackson of South Bend, Loretta “Tat Tat” Farmer of South Carolina, Carol Farmer of South Bend, and Christopher Farmer of Elkhart, 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 1 brother, Joseph Strotter III of Niles, 2 sisters-in-law Elma Douglas of Chicago and Bernice Strotter of Holland, numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by a brother Edward G. Douglas and a sister Florence Chan.

The memorial service for Berenice will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Franklin AME Church, 811 Sycamore Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Donations in memory of Berenice may be made to Franklin AME Church.

---