Charlean Benton-Crain of Lake Village, Arkansas passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was born on April 21 in Lake Village, AR to the late Charlie Benton and Emma Hedge Benton. Mrs. Benton-Crain professed her faith in Christ at an early age at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Central High School and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas AM&N) and received her master’s degree at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Mrs. Benton-Crain taught school at Central High School and Lakeside High School in Lake Village, AR before retiring in 1973. She tutored many children in the community. Mrs. Benton-Crain was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 40 years. She was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and served in many capacities. On October 2, 1970, she united in holy matrimony with Willie C. Crain, Jr. The Lord blessed their union with two beautiful daughters, Hannah E. Crain and Esther L. Crain-Holden.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Willie C. Crain, Jr.; her sisters, Shirley J. Benton and Flenoy Baldwin; and her brother, Charles Pembroke. Mrs. Benton Crain is survived by her daughters: Hannah E. Crain of Fayetteville, AR; Esther Crain-Holden (Milton) of Columbia, MD; Genell Reeves (Kermit) of Grand Blanc, MI; Caroline Miller of Flint, MI; and Bonnie Butler of Flint, MI; her sons, Larry D. Crain (Rose) of Mesa, AZ; Jessie Bell of Pine Bluff, AR; and Melvin Fordham of Nashville, TN; and numerous grandchildren, family, and friends.
Visitation will be held 6-8 pm on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in Lake Village, AR. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 25, 2017 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Lake Village, AR with Rev. Ceasar Paul King officiating. Burial will be held at New Cemetery in Lake Village, AR.

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