John R. Bennett Sr.

May 4, 1950 - January 13, 2021

John Russell Bennett, Sr. was the eleventh of fourteen children born to the late Frank and Ethel Bennett on May 4, 1950 in Lamont, FL. Preceding him in death were his siblings Nathan Bennett, Franklin Bennett, William Bennett, Joe Bennett, Sr., Catherine “Faye” Starling, Roxie Bennett, and Betty Bennett. John grew up in Lamont, FL and attended Jefferson County Schools. He graduated in 1968 and attended Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Bch. FL. John and Rose met in high school at Howard Academy. Soon after, Rose moved to Dade City, FL. Their paths crossed again at Bethune Cookman-College where they both attended. They dated during college, and on the same day Rose graduated in May 20, 1974, she and John united in holy matrimony. Upon graduation John remained in Daytona and was employed by F. W. Woolworth and he was relocated several times. In 1980, John became the first African-American manager at the F.W. Woolworth department store in Historic Downtown Richmond, VA. John was relocated to the F.W. Woolworth department store in Upper Darby, PA in 1994. Two years later, Woolworth closed. He received many awards during his tenure with Woolworth. Then John was employed by Walmart where he worked until he became sick in 2004. Deacon Bennett was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Twin Oaks, PA, where he served faithfully until his health declined. His wonderful life will forever be cherished by his loving wife of 46 years, Rose Marie Bennett; one daughter, Tonya Bennett–McCray; two sons, Kelvin (Tamika) Bennett, Sr. and John Bennett, Jr.; two sisters, Ethel Bennett–Whitfield and Osie Starling; four brothers: Ruben Bennett, Tommy (Pattie) Bennett, Henry (Louise) Bennett, and Richard (Deborah) Bennett; seven sister-in-laws: Mildred Bennett, Diane Bennett, Patricia Jones (Perry), Ethel Smith, Michelle (Wayne) Armstrong, Jacqueline (Randolph) Baker and Carolyn Smith; four brother-in-laws: Willie Starling, Willie (Beverly) Smith, Sylvester (Ruby) Smith, and Michael Smith. He will also be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to www.alz.org.