God never promised a life without pain, laughter without tears or sun without rain; but HE did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way; and for all who believe in His heaven above, He rewards their faith in everlasting love:
Melba Lee Bennett, 63, 401 Woodlyn Road, Johnson City passed away Sunday, April 3, 2011 in the Franklin Woods Community Hospital.
She was a native of Mitchell County, NC but had lived most of her life in Johnson City. Mrs. Bennett was a daughter of the late Jesse and Ruby Wilcox Blevins and was a member of the Princeton Freewill Baptist Church in Johnson City. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two sisters, Alma Jean Blevins and Wilma Marie Laughrun.
Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Ira S. Bennett; a daughter, Mona Bledsoe and her husband, Wayne of Gray; a son, Daren S. Bennett, Johnson City; two brothers, David L. Blevins and his wife, Pam, Piney Flats and Lewis Ford Blevins and his wife, Doris of Orange Park, FL; two sisters, Nadine Ward and her husband, Bill of Vilas, NC and Cheryl Ann Baker and her husband, Johnny of Maryland; a brother-in-law, Paul Laughrun; four grandchildren, Cassie and Haley Cornett and Jordan and Jada Bledsoe; Special friends, David and Keevann Humphrey, Patty Martin and Mary Ostermyer; extended family, Kim Cornett and Teresa Hradecky and family; also several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mrs. Bennett will be conducted at 7:00 PM Thursday, April 7, 2011 in the Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City with the Rev. Charlie Frazier and Rev. Wayne Bledsoe officiating. Special music will be provided by David and Keevann Humphrey. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 5:00 until 7:00 PM.
Entombment services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, April 8, 2011 in the Happy Valley Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Everyone attending is asked to meet at Appalachian Funeral Home by 10:30 AM Friday to travel in procession to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made to help with burial expenses.
The family would like to give special thanks to all of the staff at the MSHA Cancer Services, Johnson City Medical Center, 4100 wing, Mountain States Hospice Group and to Franklin Woods Community Hospital.
Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com.
Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Bennett family. 423-928-2245
