Bennie M. Stark, 83, of Merryville died on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at her residence.
She was born in Port Arthur, Texas and graduated from Merryville High school in 1956. She attended Southwest La. University and Northwestern State University and graduated from McNeese State University with a B.S. Degree in Secondary Science and Physical Education. She taught McNeese Biology Labs while working on her Master’s Degree and obtained additional Advanced Science Study hours through Northwestern State University and the PIPS Program.
She taught at Merryville High School for 30 years. She coached Girls Basketball and Track for 21 years. She served two years on the All-Star selection committee for girls basketball, two years as West coordinator for girls All-Star team, and served on the MVP Committee for Miss Basketball. She served three years on evaluating public schools in science for State Accreditation, helped develop the remedial program for biology and served on Louisiana State Selection Committees for adoption of High School Science Textbooks for several years. While she taught she was a member of the National Science Teachers Association and Louisiana Educators Association. She was a member of the Merryville Book Club for eight years. She initiated the Merryville Science Club which sponsored the school wide science fairs for student projects and the Science Club Carnivals and plays; was a cheerleader and pep squad sponsor and began the Crusaders for Christ for High School Students. She came out of retirement to teach Science for about one year at Evans High School.
She was affiliated with the Merryville First Baptist church as a Sunday School Teacher and VBS Teacher/Leader teaching various age groups.
She is survived by her children, Pard Stark and Eva of Merryville, Arrie Stark and Marilyn of Merryville, Tod Stark and Becky of Brookeland, Texas, Misty Barlow and Dalton of Merryville, Mikki Mahfouz and George of DeRidder, Floyd Stark and Sabrina of Merryville, and Mandi Cournoyer and Mike of Merryville; siblings, Charles “Buddy” Martin of Merryville, Floy Ann Moreau of Lafayette, James “Jimmy” Martin of Lumberton, Texas, Sydney Fuselier of Sulphur, Madalon Merchant of Anacoco, Juanita Simmons of Montgomery, Texas, and Mark Martin of Bon Wier, Texas; 28 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Andy Stark; parents, Floyd and Nita Lee Martin; and great grandchild, Addi Standley.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at First Baptist Church in Merryville. Burial followed at the Andy and Bennie Stark Family Cemetery in Merryville. Pastor Wayne Squyres and Pastor Jason Fortenberry officiated.
