Julia Frances Harry Bennett, 91, of Spartanburg, SC, passed into eternal life on Monday, September 16, 2013, at Eden Terrace-Spartanburg. Born January 19, 1922, in New Orleans, LA, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Woodfin Grady and Mabel Bulloch Harry, and widow of James Henry Bennett. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, also having been predeceased by her sister, Margaret Harry Thompson, and brother, Henry Grady Harry.
A graduate of Agnes Scott College, Mrs. Bennett was former District Six educator at Woodland Heights Elementary School. She was a faithful member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, a long-time member and pianist of the Fellowship Sunday School Class, former president of Women of the Church, Circle leader, and a delegate to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Surviving are her daughters, Jan Bennett Bates of American Fork, UT, Gaye Bennett Pappas (Ted) of Fernandina Beach, FL, and Barbara Bennett Davis (Charlie) of Spartanburg, SC; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 19, 2013, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 880 W. O. Ezell Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301, by the Rev. Robert Brozina. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private.
Memorials may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 880 W. O. Ezell Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301; or Regency Hospice, 880 S. Pleasantburg Drive Suite 1A&F, Greenville, SC 29607.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Eden Terrace Assisted Living.
Floyd's North Church Street Chapel
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Matthew Bates This is my wonderful grandmother, Julia Bennett. She passed away this afternoon peacefully and restfully, with her three daughters close by. I'm on a business trip here in Washington, D.C. for the annual Air Force Association conference at the National Harbor complex. I got a phone call from my mother at about 3:00 and I knew she was calling with the news, but I couldn't bring myself to pick up the phone to talk. I waited until the conference was over for the day and most of the crowd had already slipped away. I found a quiet place by myself and called my mom. As I spoke to my mother I was looking out over the Potomac River at a gorgeous sunset, with the beautiful Masonic temple in Alexandria still being lit by a gently setting sun. In moments it would disappear behind the trees on the Virginia side of the River.
The clouds and the sky looked like a postcard that I know my grandmother would appreciate - she always loved history, especially her family history and our ancestors' story going back to the Revolution. She once told me of our ancestor who took part in General Washington's funeral procession/remembrance in Gaithersburg, Md., not far from here. She loved our country and its history, and knew well the sacrifices of those who have served our country. Her father, afterall, was the mayor (and local presbyterian minister) in Warm Springs, GA, where President Roosevelt came down to receive his polio treatments. We have a picture of her father meeting the President in Warm Springs, and I remember her telling us that her dad would greet the President when he got off the train! She loved our country and knew of sacrifice, having watched her husband go off to fight Hitler in Patton's Army, only to return to Korea to fight some more. She was a proud Army wife! As I spoke to my mother a member of the Air Force band was playing a lilting melody on his bagpipes in the stairwell.
My mother began to tell me that shortly before she passed, she perked up enough to tell her, "children everywhere, children everywhere. Little boys, little girl." She had a picture of my children posted by here bed, and I'm sure she had pictures of all of her children and great grandchildren close by. She loved them all dearly.
The picture above was taken four years ago while she was still living on her own, but the last time we all saw her together about a year ago, she didn't have the strength to move around. Instead, we all sang songs to her from her Presbyterian hymnal, while she laid down and hummed along to a few favorites that she had memorized long, long ago. Age could take away her strength and ability to speak, but it could not take away the Hymns of God in her heart!
So, with these precious memories of her spinning through my mind, with this beautiful scene of God's sunset smiling down on me, all I could do was break down and melt in tears, grateful for this wonderful woman and all that she has meant to me, my brothers and sister, my cousins and their children, my children, and her own daughters who were by her side these final few days of her mortal life. She has now been reunited with her husband, Lt. Col. James H. Bennett. I know that he was there to meet her as she passed through the veil, and that she has returned to her God - our God - who she loved with all her heart, might, mind, and strength. I know that He has welcomed her home and into His rest.
While my heart is broken a bit today and my eyes are still a bit wet with tears, I know that I will someday see her again. I love you grandmama. Families are forever, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Tell granddaddy I said Hi, and maybe you can pay me a visit one of these days in my dreams!
Becky Ann Hunter What a grand eulogy, written for a beautiful lady. I've lost both of my grandmothers, so I can empathize, Matthew. May God's peace wash over you as you reflect upon her life.
Michael Tobias Estes Matthew, that was amazing. I'm sorry for your loss, but the history speaks volumes. If you are going to be in D.C. for a few days, you are welcome to stop by. We'd love to see you.
Kaddiz Gonzales Silvestro Thank you for sharing your heartfelt sentiments in this space. Wishing you comfort and beautiful memories as you grieve.
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