Dora Mae Benard (Tulia)

Dora Mae Benard, 86, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Viewing opportunities will be at Kornerstone Funeral Home in Tulia on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 3:00-5:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Pentecostal Temple Church in God in Christ Church in Amarillo, Texas. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Tulia, Texas, under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia.

 Dora was born on October 9, 1939, in Freestone County, Texas, to Arsola and Mary (Mosely) Ervin. Her journey began in Littlefield, where she attended school and accepted her first job which began shaping her compassionate character. Following her marriage to J.B. Benard in Tulia, Texas, Dora dedicated her life to nurturing others, both in her family and community. She worked at Omer's Restaurant and the Swisher Memorial Building for decades, but it was her role as a caregiver that truly defined her legacy. Known for her servant's heart, Dora devoted herself to helping those in need, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met. Dora's commitment to her faith and community was unwavering. 

She played an instrumental role in multiple church activities, becoming a cherished member of the Church of God in Christ. Her contributions include serving as one of the founding members of Jackson Chapel, as the Texas Northwest Jurisdictional Chairperson of the Women's Department, and as an Adjutant sister of the local, district, jurisdictional and national church, showcasing her dedication to ministry. Dora was deeply involved in the Tulia community: founding the Swisher County Love Fund, leader of Girl Scouts, and serving on various boards and committees. A humble woman of faith, Dora was a missionary at heart, putting God and others before herself. She will be remembered not only for her numerous achievements but also for the love and kindness she extended to all. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arsola and Mary Ervin; her husband, J.B Benard; her brothers, James Ervin and Arsola Ervin; her sisters, Betty Ann Hawkins, Eula Parker and Mary Watson.

She is survived by her three daughters, Pamela Harvey (Jimmy) of Arlington, TX, Tammie Cervantez of Amarillo, TX and Katrina Adams (Gerald) of Amarillo, TX; her two sons, Jim Benard of Amarillo, TX, and Troy Benard of Amarillo, TX; a special daughter, Mary Benard; two brothers, Alvin Ervin (Kathy) of Katy, TX and R.C. Ervin of Amarillo, TX, two sisters, Mattie Jones of Houston, TX and Lela Russell of Hockley, TX, several Godchildren, including the Thornton Family Siblings, Margie Dick and Faye Jackson; her lifelong friends, Pat Weiser, Johnny and Earnestine Bell; one sister in Christ, Annie Sykes; thirteen grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, an extended blood family and church family.