Shirley Spencer Bennett

Mrs. Shirley S. Bennett, 74, daughter of the late James H. Spencer and Effie Ratliff Spencer, was born on November 8, 1945 in Wadesboro, NC. She departed this earthly life peacefully on May 31, 2020 at REX Hospital in Raleigh, NC.

Shirley received her formal education in the schools of Anson County, NC, graduating from James R. Faison High School, in Wadesboro, NC.  From there, she matriculated to Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, NC where she studied to become a teacher with emphasis on children with special needs.  Upon leaving Johnson C. Smith University, she married the love of her life, Paul E. Bennett, on October 21, 1966 at the University Memorial Chapel on campus.  To that union, was born two children, Karen Elaine and Paul E. Bennett, II.  After rearing her children, she had a long successful career in teaching in numerous cities throughout the country as she supported her husband's successful career as a Senior Executive in the Federal Government.  She was a devoted teacher who was affectionately known as "Ms. Shirley" by her students.  She retired from teaching children with special needs in 2005.  

After having retired, the Bennetts relocated to Raleigh, NC in January 2012 and became members of Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  Shirley was a member of the Floral Ministry, the Seniors Ministry, and the Bridge Ministry at Watts Chapel.  Cherishing her memory are her devoted husband Paul, her daughter Karen (Sean) Yates, her son Paul E. (Danielle) Bennett, II, her grandchildren Kelsey Yates, Sean Yates, II, and fraternal twins Colin and Matthew Bennett.  She is also survived by a sister, Linda S. Little, Landis, NC, two brothers Ronald Spencer, Salisbury, NC, and Gregory Spencer, Kannapolis, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Her Private family only Funeral Service will take place on Friday, June 5, 2020 at the C.A. Haywood Sr. Memorial Chapel, 2415 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC at 11:00 AM with immediate family viewing preceding the service at 10:30 AM.  Interment takes place at Montlawn Memorial Park immediately following the service.  On Thursday June 4, 2020, a public walk through viewing will take place at Haywood Funeral Home from 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM. 

***Please Note:  Anyone wishing to send flowers may send them directly to the funeral home.  Also due to COVID-19, and out of respect for everyone's safety, we will require that those attending the viewing and service wear a facial covering or mask and comply with social distancing.  The family plans to have a traditional memorial service to celebrate the life of Shirley Bennett at a more safe and appropriate time.

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