Mrs. Havolene Salley Bennett

Mrs. Havolene Salley Bennett was the daughter of the late Fletcher and Irene Adams Salley. She was born on March 6, 1936 in Walterboro, South Carolina. She departed this life on Friday, May 21, 2021. Mrs. Bennett attended the public schools of Colleton County, South Carolina. It was during this time period where she met her childhood sweetheart, the late James Matthew Bennett. After graduating from Walterboro High School, Mrs. Bennett ventured to New York, in search of opportunities and a better life. Soon after, Mr. Bennett returned from his tour of duty in the Air Force; the couple united in Holy Matrimony on January 4, 1956. Their marriage lasted over half a century, until the passing of Mr. James Bennett, in 2009. During this union, they were blessed with three children: Gwendolyn Denise Pueblo, Deirdre Janet Johnson, and James Darryl Bennett. Mrs. Bennett was a dedicated wife, loving mother, caring grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her children will forever cherish her willingness to be a stay-at-home mother. This special admiration allowed them to become a close knit family. In addition to raising her own children, Mrs. Bennett assisted with the upbringing of her grandchildren. She had both a giving and loving heart, with a smile that would radiate a room. Following many years of living in New York, Mrs. Bennett decided to return to South Carolina, with her husband to be closer to their family. During the latter part of her life, Mrs. Bennett enjoyed going to Seven Oaks Recreation Center, where she loved spending time with her friends playing Bingo and Uno. She had a love for clothes and was known as the best dressed individual at the Center. For those who knew Mrs. Bennett, it was apparent that she had an undeniably strong relationship with God. Mrs. Bennett was a devoted member of First Nazareth Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Attending church services was a highlight of the week for her, where she loved to worship God and fellowship with friends and family. Those left to cherish her memory are: her children, Gwendolyn (Steve) Pueblo, Deirdre (Marvin) Johnson, and James D. Bennett; five grandchildren, Stephen Jerell (Angelica) Pueblo, Jaye Bennett, Kimberly Pueblo, Juwan Bennett, and Janasia Bennett; three great-grandchildren, Matthew Pueblo, Banks Bennett, and Preston Pueblo; one brother, Jervy Salley; three sisters, Lucille Simmons, Willa Stevens, and Pearline Robinson; a cousin, who was like a sister to her, Cynthia Stokes; two brothers-in-law, Heyward Bennett and Jeff Henderson; four sisters-in-law, Clinez Salley, Helen Salley, Georgia Martin, and Frances Bennett; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and home medical staff, all of whom will miss her dearly.