Obituary of Venita Lucille Piner

Venita L. Piner, 81, of Benton Harbor, passed away at her home on Friday, August 27th; she rests with God. Venita was born November 25th, 1939 to Mildred and Esdell "John" Thomas. She went to Benton Harbor High School and worked at the A & W Drive-In in Benton Harbor for many years as well as VM Company. She retired from LECO Corp. in St Joseph after nearly 25 years. Venita enjoyed bowling with her husband Truman and being on leagues. They enjoyed country music and the company of friends at their home and out to dance and dinners. Venita was preceded in death by her husband, Truman; father, Esdell “John” Thomas; her mother, Mildred and stepfather, Earnest Hicks; siblings, Stanley Hicks and Tina Cox. Venita will be missed by her children, Rodney (Gloria) Tyler, Kelley (Marvin) Schmalfeldt; step-children, David and Timothy Piner and Vicki Tucker; her sisters, Glenda (WC) Barkley and Ruth Tyler. She leaves one grandson, Bradley (Kandice) Molhoek, and the joy of her life, her great-grandson, William. Her love of cats was second to none, she leaves Andy and Sophie. A special thank you to Phyllis, Karen Thomas, and the team of loving, open-hearted people on her Caring Circle hospice team, you are angels. Jim and David, thank you for all you were to her. She had many close friends and extended family she loved. The family has planned a private memorial service at Memory Gardens. A reception for those wishing to celebrate her life and remember her will be held at the DANK on Pipestone Rd. in Benton Harbor on Thursday, September 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring Circle Hospice, Hidden Acres Safe Haven for Cats, or the family will forward any donations they receive. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.