ELIZABETH STATON BENNETT
May 28, 1922-Oct. 23, 2009
Julia Elizabeth Staton Bennett, 87, of 111 Hilldale Lane, died at her home on Friday. A native of Spartan-burg, S.C., Mrs. Bennett was born May 28, 1922, to the late Burt Dupre Staton and Julia Byars Staton. Mrs. Bennett was predeceased by her husband Richard Howarth Bennett in 1999.
A graduate of Spartanburg High School, Mrs. Bennett graduated from Winthrop College (now Winthrop University) in Rock Hill, S.C., in 1943. She received a Masters in Art Education from East Carolina University in 1972. Mrs. Bennett moved to Goldsboro in 1949, and taught for many years in Goldsboro City Schools, rising to become art supervisor. In 1968, she served as president of the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the international professional honor society of women educators. In 1969, she joined the faculty of Mount Olive College as professor and chairman of the Art Department, serving until her retirement in 1987. A talented artist in her own right, she shared her love of painting and passion for the fine arts with countless students through the years. In her personal and professional life, she was always proud to be a teacher.
Mrs. Bennett was a charter member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Grace Winsome Sunday school class. She was also a member of the David Williams Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
She is survived by her children, Steven Richard Bennett of Wilson, Julia Bennett Jagger and husband, John Robert Jagger, of Atlanta, Ga., John Howarth Bennett and wife, Jessica Gammell-Bennett, of Greenville. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, James Richard Bennett and wife, Katherine Bennett, of Black Creek, Elizabeth Carroll Bennett of Goldsboro, Williams Howarth Bennett and Andrew Edward Bennett of Greenville, as well as three great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her sister Louise Scruggs of Atlanta, Ga., niece Terri Scruggs Smith and husband, Jim, nephew Bernard C. Scruggs and wife, Susan, nephew Stephen D. Scruggs, cousins Dan Kincaid and wife, Susan, Richard Kincaid and wife, Elizabeth, Scott Morgan and Patrick Morgan. She is survived by her dear friend of 65 years Wilbur (Mrs. Robert W.) Hayes of Rock Hill, S.C., and her family, as well as her many beloved friends in Goldsboro; and by her beloved pets Pootie Bennett Jagger and Princie Bennett.
The family will receive friends Monday, Oct. 26 from 7 until 9 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, 1300 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro. A graveside service will be held at noon Tuesday at Wayne Memorial Park with the Rev. Gloria Price officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, 300 S. Madison Avenue, Goldsboro, NC 27530 or to the Children's Home Society, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on October 25, 2009 11:16 AM