Bennie B. Brewer
(1945-2022)
On Jan. 20, 1945, Bennie B. Brewer was born to Amos Brewer Sr. and Ester Lee LoneyBrewer. He was the second child to the couple who had six children, Amos Jr., Willie C., Gary Wayne, Ethel Lee Curtis and Shelia.
He was aware of his spiritual need early in his life, attending church in Goodwin. Later he joined Mount Moriah in Oak Forrest. He attended services wherever he could hear God’s word, ending his spiritual journey at Widener Church of God in Christ.
He graduated Carver High School in 1964 with a scholarship to barber school in Little Rock. After attending barber school for a short time, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965.
On March 19, 1967, he married Pearlie Mae Eason, and they were married 34 years. To this union five children were born. He later remarried.
He served his country until he was honorably discharged on Aug. 25, 1971. Upon returning from the military, he began working to provide for his growing family. He obtained certification as a machinist. He worked for years as a machinist at Airtherm and Yale Hoist. Bennie decided he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. He attended the academy and began his job as a deputy in St. Francis County as well as Lee County. He served as chief of police in Madison as well. Upon retiring from law enforcement, he worked as the supervisor of transportation for the Lee County Cooperative Clinic.
Bennie was a self-taught musician and he loved music, playing in the churches he attended. He loved sports, (any and all), and he was a talented baseball player. He played with a traveling team for years, able to play any position. His ability earned him a spot at the St. Louis Cardinals training camp. A talent and love that he passed to his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Ester Brewer; his brother, Gary Wayne Brewer, and a grandson, Ethan Jay Boyd.
He is survived by his six children, Ann Jeannette Janet and Daron Sparkman (Kim), all of Forrest City, Latoir Sherrii Brewer of Palestine, Brian Lamone Brewer (Kristy) of Jonesboro, Elaina Brewer of Marion and Elisha Brewer-Boyd (Jason) of Jonesboro; three brothers, Amos Brewer Jr. of St. Louis, Mo., Willie C. Brewer of Palestine and Curtis Brewer (Gail) of Brinkley; three sisters, Ethel Lee Chism of Pine Bluff, and Shelia Brewer and Farrah Lee, both of Forrest City; a loving friend and companion of over 55 years, Pearlie Mae Brewer; 10 grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren, and host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at Miles J. Kimble Mortuary and Cremation in Forrest City.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Beth Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Forrest City, with Superintendent Emmitt Larry Jr., delivering the eulogy.
Burial services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye.