Marcia Allen-Benner

Marcia Allen-Benner Marcia Allen-Benner lived her life fully, ending February 4, 2018, at the age of 87. She is now embraced by her Lord in his Kingdom. She will never be forgotten by family, friends, churches, past students, and many others. Marcia will be remembered for her boundless energy, unconditional love, and encouraging, giving spirit. Marcia was born October 11, 1930 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to Louis and Evelyn (Epstein) Perilstein. Her parents, 2 husbands and her sister Renee Korff preceded her in death. Marcia married E. Robert Allen in 1951, eventually moving to Clare. Theirs was an abiding love, complimenting and completing each other. While their children were still young, Marcia earned a Masters Degree in Education, then teaching at Clare Public Schools. Always learning and problem-solving, she was a special education teacher. It was an excellent match, with a two year detour teaching 5th grade mathematics. Marcia had a great love for all her students Marcia was involved with Clare School Faculty Plays, Crop Walks, 4th grade camp, Girl Scouting, Methodist church camp, treasurer of the Clare Christ Fellowship, and sunday school teacher. After retiring in 1989, Marcia and Bob moved to Mesa Arizona. There she substitute taught homebound students, was a Church librarian, proofreader and mentor. After Bob’s passing in 1999, Marcia surprised herself and everyone else when, after a whirlwind courtship, she married the late Mike Benner. Mike taught her woodworking during their short, loving marriage. Marcia has been a part of the Horizon Assisted Living family in Clare since her stroke in 2012, remaining the same caring, loving person she had become. In all her actions, Marcia’s greatest desire was to be a witness to the Lord, and watching her grow was a true witness to his power. Though there is sadness and mourning from her passing, there is also joy in knowing her eternal life was sealed by the sacrifice of the Cross. Marcia is survived by her children; Linda Yellin, of Detroit; Lea (Dave) Richardson,of Beaverton; Tom Allen of Vancouver, Washington; and Nancy (Patrick) Allen of Pahrump, Nevada. Grandchildren Mike Richardson, Mark Richardson, Jennifer Yellin-Denomme, and Chrystal Allen, 10 great-grandchildren, beloved nieces Michele Cummins of Phoenix, Az and Sue Allen of Clare, and 1 great-grand nephew. A memorial visitation will be held at Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home in Clare, on Sunday February 11 from 4:00 to 7:00. The memorial service will be at Clare Christ Fellowship, Colonville Rd, Clare on Monday February 12 at 11:00 am. Gifts, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Clare Christ Fellowship or Mid-Mich Hospice in Marcia’s honor. Shalom, Shalom

Marcia Allen-Benner

October 11, 1930 - February 4, 2018