Shirley Constance Bennett, 92, born in Vivian, West Virginia and longtime resident of Hampton and Yorktown, Virginia, went home to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving daughter, Carol. Oh, what a celebration is taking place today in Heaven.

Shirley will be remembered for her unfaltering faith in God; her positive attitude; and great strength of will, character and spirit.  She was forever quick to express love and kindness to all whom she met; she had a contagious smile. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Yorktown. Shirley was very faithful in taking both Kathy and Carol (her daughters) to church regularly.  Both girls accepted Christ as their Personal Savior and Lord. Amen!  She was involved in many church events such as Sunbeams, Mission Friends, Vacation Bible School as well as Sunday School, Worship Service, Bible studies, along with being a WMU director (Women's Missionary Union). Shirley was faithful in sharing about God's love with her family, friends and anyone she met.

She had a wonderful career as an assistant on the handicap school bus for the Multi Handicap Center in Hampton.  She loved those children so very much.  She also worked in retail at Rices Nachmans and Sentara Careplex as a volunteer for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nola Odom; her brothers, James, Howard, Harry, Bill, Ralph, Ray, Emerald, Richard and Jack Odom; sisters, Mildred Peery and Ruth Miller; her husband of 50 years, Warren Ray Bennett; her daughter Kathy Rae Dollins.

She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter Carol Bennett of Yorktown; son-in-law Donald Dollins; and granddaughter, Peyton Dollins of Staunton, VA.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church in Yorktown, with a funeral service immediately following at noon. Burial will take place in Hampton Memorial Gardens following a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 1004 Yorktown Road, Yorktown, VA 23683.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.