Bennie Echols

Mother Bennie Echols, 93, of Waco, went home to be with her Lord Sunday, February 1, 2009 at her residence.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7 at the Life Cathedral Church of God in Christ, 1301 Webster Ave., with Bishop Samuel E. Iglehart officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. A wake will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Echols Memorial Church of God in Christ, 224 Birch Drive in Lacy Lakeview.

Mother Echols was born December 2, 1916 in Anadarko, Oklahoma. She served the Church of God in Christ for 69 years in various capacities including Administrator of the Echols Memorial Church of God in Christ until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Isreal Echols, Sr.; and sons, Luther, Donald and Timothy Echols.

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara A. Wilder and husband, Earl and Janis Echols, all of Waco; four sons, Isreal Echols, Jr. and wife, Bobbie of Dallas, Dr. William Echols and wife, Pearline of Houston, Retired Col. Anthony Echols and wife, Priscilla of Phoenix, Arizona and V. Wayne Echols, Sr. and wife, Angelia of Waco; daughter-in-law, Audrey B. Echols; niece, Gloria; nephew, Lewis Starks; and a host of other relatives and friends.