Rachel Irene Bennett

Rachel Irene Bennett 97, a lifelong resident of Fayetteville, WV; passed away on Wednesday October 12th, 2022, at the home of her loving granddaughter, surrounded by loved ones.

Rachel was born on July 14, 1925, in Fayetteville, WV, the daughter of Granger R. King and Ruth Alexander King.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William R. Bennett, her sisters Frances “Fran” Hambrick, Betty Elizabeth “Libby” Martin Robertson, Marjorie “Margie” Adkins Dunbar, and one brother Benny R. King.

Survivors include her daughter, Margaret Susan Cody (Donald Gunther) of Wilmington, North Carolina and two sons William R Bennett, Jr. of Knoxville Tennessee, and Charles Romeo Bennett (Deana) of Oak Hill, West Virginia. Grandchildren Belinda Groppi (Jerome Walker) of Cleveland, Ohio, Denise Wilcox (Randy McPherson) of Roper, North Carolina, Karen Ostrica (Joe) of Avon Lake, Ohio, Kelly Wyatt (Emery) of Suffolk, Virginia. Great Grandchildren, Taylor White, Jesse Sullivan (Keamte Norman), Christopher Sullivan (Tracy Baker), Chloe Sullivan (Cristopher Perez), Jayden Groppi (Amber), Rachel Groppi (Rashad Thompson), Samantha Sawyer (Dylan) and Kaylee Arrington and Great Great Grandchildren, Elijah, Jayde and Jermaine. A Niece she considered a Daughter, Donnie Hamblin (Bill) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Sister-in-law, Ginger King of Sullivan, Ohio. A special son close to her heart, Robert Jeffries of Saint Albans, West Virginia. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Amedisys Hospice and her Great Granddaughter, Samantha Sawyer, her daily caregiver.

Rachel was a member of the Gentry Missionary Baptist Church, Oak Hill, WV. Her love and kindness were infused in everything she did. She loved to cook and share the food she made with others. She was active with the PTA and school system for 50 plus years.

She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served on the Board of Incorporators for the Rhododendron Girls State program for many years in the capacity of Secretary. She also served as a Senior Counselor and Champion Mentor for several Girls State Delegates from throughout West Virginia. At the Fayetteville, WV American Legion Post 149 Auxiliary group she held membership for more than 50 years and held the office of President, Secretary and Treasurer. She also served a term as District President. She also served as a volunteer at the Beckley, WV VA Medical Center and was Chairperson of the Annual Christmas Gift Shop there for several years.

She loved serving veterans and cared for many people throughout her life including her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone who needed help. She received the Fayetteville Junior Women’s Club Citizen of the Year Award in 2002.

Celebration of life will be held at 1-3 PM, on October 29th, 2022, at the American Legion Hall in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements were made by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill