Jackie Mae Smith Bennett, age 68

Jackie Mae Smith Bennett, age 68, of Forest City, NC, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2013.

Jackie was born September 5, 1945 in Rutherford County, NC to the late Ralph Ansel Smith and Thelma Ball Smith.  She worked for Cone Mills for over thirty years and was a member of Alexander Missionary Methodist Church.  Jackie loved gardening, cooking, collecting things and doing craftwork.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years, William “J.E.” Bennett and thirteen brothers and sisters.

Survivors include two sons, William “Matthew” Bennett, Sr. of Forest City and Mark Ansel Bennett and wife, Lesley of Mooresboro; one daughter, Sherry Bennett Gilliam of Forest City; three sisters, Sally Searcy and husband, Ed of Spindale, Polly Bradshaw and Peggy Radford both of Sandy Mush; brother, James Smith of Ellenboro. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, William “Matthew” Bennett, Jr. and wife, Alisha, Misti Bennett Willis and husband, Matt, Autumn Bennett, John Gilliam, Jesse Gilliam and fiancé, Whitney, Jacob Bennett and wife, Kayela, Taylor Bennett; five great-grandchildren, Ryan Bennett, Caleb Bennett, Jason Willis , Jenna Willis and Shane Gilliam.

A graveside service was conducted at Eternal Hills Cemetery with Reverend Ronnie Boone and Reverend Howard Hardin officiating.  

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.