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Byrna Jane Benesh
Born: 7/17/1949
Died: 8/25/2026
Age: 77
Community: Flushing, MI
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Benesh (Sodeman), Byrna Jane "BJ", of Flushing, age 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at home surrounded by love.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Caterer Family Funeral Home (formerly Rossell), in Flushing. Family and friends will gather from 11 a.m. on Monday until the time of service.
BJ was born in Wooster, Ohio, on July 17, 1949, the daughter of Reverend Donald and Elaine (Slater) Sodeman. Her father’s ministry brought them to Flint in 1958, where she completed her education and graduated from Flint Central High School in 1967. She moved to Saginaw and married Dennis Bishop from 1969 to 1982, and they were blessed with one daughter, Audra. In1984, BJ was united in marriage to Richard Gillion, until his passing in 2001. She later married Robert Benesh in 2006 and moved to West Virgina. She returned to Michigan when health issues arose, in 2023.
BJ was deeply involved in the churches she attended throughout her life. One would often hear her humming tunes throughout her day. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing wherever she was and participated in choirs throughout school and church. During school, she played violin participating with the Junior Flint Symphony Assembly. Music remained a lifelong passion for her, particularly playing the piano, from the time she was a little girl, until the time her hands no longer could play. BJ found joy in riding motorcycles, gardening, antiquing, and retail therapy.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Benesh; daughter, Audra (Austin) Harrison; step-son, Chuck Benesh; grandchildren, Chelsea (Roger) Miller, Jennifer Lowes, Lillian (Lance) Pelch, Shelby Partlo, and Aedon and TJ Harrison; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Tim (Sue) Sodeman; nieces, Nola (Ron) Barres, and Dahna (Chris) Cryderman; and nephew, Joel Sodeman. BJ was preceded in death by her parents; husband and love of her life, Richard Gillion; and fur-babies Polly and Buddy.
The family extends a special thank you to the team at Swan Hospice for their compassionate care. |
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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8/31/2026 |
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11:00 AM |
| Visitation from 11am-1pm on Monday at the funeral home. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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8/31/2026 |
| Time: |
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1:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Caterer Family Funeral Home
307 E. Main Street
Flushing, MI 48433Get a Map to this location...
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