Kristin Bennett Berkley

Kristin Victoria Bennett Berkley, 39, passed away on October 7, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Kristin was full of sass, knew everybody, and loved deeply. She especially loved her nieces and nephews, whom she called her "babies." She wanted to be a part of everything they did, and she was. Whether it was a school event, birthday, sporting event, or simply spending time together, Kristin wanted to be there for her family.

Kristin was a survivor from the very beginning. At only nine months old, she survived cancer of the spinal cord, eventually leaving her paralyzed. These challenges were only the beginning of a lifetime filled with major illnesses, but Kristin never allowed them to define her. She moved through each challenge with grace, strength, and plenty of glitter.

Kristin loved children and spent time teaching preschool Sunday School. She also had a special group of friends at church who became an important part of her life, also her "babies". Her faith was deep and genuine, and she loved the Lord. Recently, she found herself witnessing to a woman at her apartment complex. It was not necessarily something that came naturally to Kristin, but that day, the Holy Spirit came alive in her. Her husband, Blaine, always encouraged her to continue growing in her relationship with the Lord.

Kristin was a true Disney fan. She collected Disney backpacks and ears and loved anything that reminded her of the magic she had always enjoyed. She was also a huge sports fan, especially an LSU Tigers superfan and an Astros fan. She loved watching Survivor, too. Kristin and Blaine even created a bucket list to visit every Major League Baseball park. Together, they were able to visit four.

Kristin had been planning her wedding since she was two years old. She practiced her wedding dances as a little girl, waiting for the day when she would finally become a bride. Then she met her prince charming, Blaine, and her dream came true. They were married for two years, and Kristin absolutely loved being a wife.

Blaine was a wonderful husband to Kristin. He was always there to help her into their vehicle, give her a kiss, and then load her wheelchair. Blaine and Kristin deeply treasured their life together.

Kristin loved her family fiercely. She had a particularly deep relationship with her great-grandmother, "Ma-Maw," and treasured the memories they made together. She was also a woman who knew how to hold onto memories. She loved documenting the things she did throughout her life, and travels, keepsakes, and family heirlooms meant a great deal to her. She loved keeping things that carried a story or reminded her of someone she loved. This included her collection of nearly 80 pairs of shoes. Kristin also loved to shop, create art, and listen to music.

Her love of music covered just about every genre, though she had a particular soft spot for 1990s country music, with Rascal Flatts being one of her favorites. Praise and worship music held a special place in her heart as well. She loved art and enjoyed creating things herself.

Kristin was unapologetically herself. She knew what she liked and wasn't afraid to enjoy it. She loved beautiful views of the beach, but preferred to admire the beach without getting sand on her. She loved her root beer and sweet tea and found joy in the little things that made life her own.

Above all, Kristin loved people. She loved her family, her friends, her church family, and the many people whose lives she touched along the way. She faced a lifetime of challenges that would have overwhelmed many people, but she continued to find reasons to laugh, celebrate, create, love, and live. She carried her memories close, treasured the people around her, and remained completely and wonderfully herself.

Those left to cherish Kristin's memory include her husband of two years, Blaine Berkley; her parents, Reggie and Pam Bennett; her brothers, Hayden Bennett (Katie) and Blake Bennett (Carlie); her nieces and nephews, Bethany, Abigail, Rebekah, Luke and Barrett Bennett, Saylor, Jameson, Afton, Harlow, and Kruger Berkley; and her first "Baby Love," Zoe Potter.

She is also survived by her parents-in-law, Todd and Kelly Berkley; her brother-in-law, Garrett Berkley (Alison); and her grandparents, Don and Pat Browning, Leonard and Earline Bennett, Larry Anderson, and Gary and Allison Berkley.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother-in-law, Donna Anderson.

A funeral service for Kristin will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff. Burial will follow at New Ritchie Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday and continue until the beginning of the service.

In Lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the St. Judes Children's Research Hospital.