Benita Lynn Harper Custard, 63, of Mercer County, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on July 18, 2026, in Danville. She was born on November 28, 1962, in Stanford, Kentucky, and was lovingly raised by her late grandparents, George Sr. and Othello Brown. She was the beloved wife of Dennis Allen Custard.

Benita was a dedicated Senior Administrative Assistant at Trailblazer Academy for many years. She was also a faithful member of 1st Baptist Church Davistown, where she faithfully served in many capacities, including Children's Church leader, Annual Missionary Tea, and a member of the kitchen ministry. She loved the Lord wholeheartedly and found great joy in serving her church family.

Benita cherished family gatherings and celebrations, always making sure there was plenty of food and take home trays, laughter, and love for everyone. She was also a treasured member of the Spurlin Funeral Home family, where she compassionately served countless families during their times of loss. She enjoyed yard sales, playing Pick 3, Black Friday shopping, decorating for every holiday, her Sweets by Cindy cakes and spending time with her beloved "Stanford Girls." Above all, her greatest joy came from being "Mom" and "Mimi." Her family was the center of her world, and she loved them deeply.

In addition to her husband, Dennis, she is survived by her parents, Shirley Brown Harper and James T. "Dad-Dad” Black, both of Lancaster; her beloved daughter, Brianna Paige Harper; the lights of her life, her son, Jaimien Peterson, and granddaughter, Chozyn "Mimi's Girl" Harper; brothers, Zack Brown of Cincinnati and Greg Harper (Cathy) of Arizona; sister, Nadine Harper-Stanley (Thomas) of Danville and brother, Jamie Harper of Lancaster; nieces and nephews,  Shane, Trenn, Nina, Marcus, Corey, Tenica, Ryan, Callie Jo, Chelsea, Baby J, Jai'la, Tevis, and Sydney; a special aunt, Aunt Jeannie Willis of Cynthiana; brothers-in-law, Rev. James Custard (Deloris) of Georgetown, Billy Custard (Sheila) of Cynthiana, and David Custard of Cynthiana; and bonus siblings, Ebony Black, Carol Turner, Jeffrey Turner, and Darnell Turner.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, George Sr. and Othello Brown; her sister, Joslyn Harper; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Custard, Charlotte Custard, Betty Jo Harper and Pam Kinney; and brothers-in-law, Rev. Alfonso Kinney and Michael Custard.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. James AME Church in Danville, Kentucky with Rev. H. Felix Ross officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Danville Memorial Gardens in Danville.

Pallbearers will be David Christopher, Anthony Harris, Mikey Dawson, John Barnes, Arvid Hall, Billy Custard, Corey Harper, Marcus Harper, Shane Davis, and Ryan Harper.

Honorary pallbearers are the Stanford Girls; Sue Jones, Zelda Jones, Angie Walker, and Bonnie Barnes; Chasity Norris, Rita Mobley, Robin Harris, Cindy Nevius, Kevin Montgomery, Dr. Brian Ellis, the members of 1st Baptist Church Davistown Missonary; her bonus children; Ruben Catching, Rosalon Jones, Shanai Smith, and Robin Penman.