"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." ~Psalm 23

In Loving Memory of Mother Shirley V. Bennett

On Monday, May 26, 2025, our Heavenly Father gently called His beloved daughter, Mother Shirley V. Bennett , home. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in knowing she has reached the place she longed for — her eternal home. This homegoing marks the most beautiful chapter of her faith journey, and while we miss her more than words can say, we celebrate her peace, her joy, and her reunion with the Lord she loved so dearly.

Ms. Shirley V. Bennett was born on May 5, 1936, to the late Mr. Paul Dickerson Sr. of New Jersey and Mrs. Evelena Brown of Jasper, Florida. Shirley attended school in Hamilton County. She was the second of thirteen children and began her walk with Christ at an early age, joining The Pure Church of Righteousness under the leadership of the late Bishop Mose Williams and Mary J. Williams. Shirley was a devoted servant of the Lord, especially active in the music ministry, where she faithfully played the bass drum and scrub board—adding to the joyful noise that defines a true Holiness Church.

Affectionately known as " Bigmoma ," she was a pillar of both her church and her community. Shirley dedicated more than 40 years of service to the Hamilton County Health Department, where she worked as a custodian. She took great pride in maintaining a spotless facility—but her role extended far beyond cleaning. Known affectionately as a "child wrangler," she had a special way of calming the nerves of little ones on vaccination days. When " Bigmoma " spoke, the children of Hamilton County listened. Her compassion and willingness to help others reached far beyond the workplace, as she was a trusted, cherished caregiver and constant support to many in the community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, LaVolious Bennett Sr.; her children, Donald Bennett Sr. and Sherry Bennett; her grandchildren, Donald Bennett Jr., Brian Boyer, and Thanie Yolanda Bennett; and several of her siblings.

Her life and legacy live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind:

Siblings : Fanny (David Sr.) Claridy, Mary Smith (Jasper, FL), Margie Solomon (Tallahassee, FL), Cynthia Mitchell (Newark, NJ), and Willie Frank (Marcia) Smith (Pensacola, FL).

Sister-in-law : Sarah Dickerson (Gainesvillle Fl)

Loving children : James (Faith) Bennett (Jacksonville, FL), LaVolious Bennett Jr., Lillian (Richard) Cato, Jackie Bennett, and Mavis McDuffie (all of Jasper, FL).

Grandchildren : Alicia Boyer (Pennsylvania), Elder Cornelius Bennett (Jasper, FL), Dyrell (Destiny) Bennett (Jasper, FL), Nedra (Patrick) Rowe (Jacksonville, FL), Amelia (Chris) Ponds (Tallahassee, FL), James Bennett Jr. (Jacksonville, FL), Keyona Bennett (Jasper, FL), Brittney (Travis) Pressley (Jacksonville, FL), and Ryan Grisson (Jasper, FL). She was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will carry her memory forward.

Special Godchildren : Dr. Phillip M. Jackson and Ms. Wanda Ashley.

Beloved Families : The Nixon, Laster, Troy, Glispie, Simmons, Ford, Howell, Hawkins and Bristol families.

Cherished Institutions : Suwannee Valley Nursing Home; and the Hamilton County Health Department staff. Mother Shirley V. Bennett lived a life rooted in faith, service, and unconditional love. Her light continues to shine through those who were touched by her grace and guided by her wisdom. She leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God.