Spencer resident and Van Buren County native Bernice Denney Martin, 89, was born March 3, 1927 and died Dec. 17 at NHC Healthcare of Sparta following an extended illness.A homemaker, retired from domestic service for Dr. Margaret Rhinehardt, and a member of the Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Morgan and Pauline Delon Grissom. She was married to James Preston Denney, who preceded her in death on July 13, 1979. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by daughter, Gail Denney Jackson; four sisters, Helen Bouldin, Lottie B. Roberts, Charlene Bouldin and infant sister, Jennifer Grissom; and two brothers, Paul and Truman Grissom.She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Judy Denney of Spencer; grandson and wife, Kenneth Preston and Tabitha Denney of Spencer; two granddaughters and spouses, Chassidy and Steve Lancaster and Susie and Will Maxwell, all of Spencer; three great-grandchildren, BreeAnn Denney, Blake Denney and Cora Sue Maxwell; two step-great-great-grandchildren, Sierra Maxwell and Dakota Lancaster; step-great-great-grandchild, Easton Maxwell; sister, Mildred Walling of Spencer; and several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.