Leader Publications

Born: Dec. 29, 1920

Died: Nov. 7, 2012

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

Farmer

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 fove great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Joseph Strotter III of Niles, two 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, Nov. 16, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Franklin AME Church, 811 Sycamore Street, Niles, Mich., 49120.

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