Obituary: Gladys Irene Bennett

Gladys Irene Bennett, beloved daughter of Jasper Newton and Naomi Woodley, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in Lake Jackson, Texas. She was 99 years old. Her husband of 59 years, Alexander Hamilton Steven Bennett, preceded her in death in 2002.

Gladys was born in Leoma, Tennessee, on July 17, 1919. Her parents and nine brothers and sisters soon moved to Winter Garden, Florida, where she graduated from Lakeview High School.

Gladys and Alex met in church, which was so appropriate, as they both loved God. They were married on May 1, 1943, in Winter Garden. Gladys was the beloved mother of two sons.

She followed her husband to retirement in the United States Air Force and raised her sons throughout this country, having lived in seven different states from Alaska to Florida.

She was always described as “the kindest person you would ever meet.” This was attested to by many, many people. Though distance kept them apart more than she would have liked, she often talked of her love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gladys and Alex had two loving sons, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. All of whom survive her. Sons, David Eugene Bennett and Richard Steven (Linda Hamilton) Bennett; her grandchildren, Ashley (Seth) Thomas, Amanda (Garret) Willis, R. Scott (Celine) Bennett, Leon (Denise) Bennett, Christina Bennett, Lisa (Murray) Daniel; her great-grandchildren, Luke Thomas, Madeleine Willis, Colin Bennett, Connor Bennett and Aiden Daniel.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Alkesh Amin and his staff and to the staff and caregivers at Carriage Inn for the love, comfort and care they provided our dear Gladys.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, 1148 E. Plant St., Winter Garden Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Winter Garden Primitive Baptist Church, P.O. Box 771048, Winter Garden, FL 34787; or a charity of your choice.