Blanche Allen Bennett

BLANCHE A. BENNETT CANDLER - Blanche Evelyn (Allen) Bennett, 86, after a declining illness, passed away at her residence in Candler, N.C., on Sunday, October 3, 2010. She was born on July 29, 1924 at the family home on Beaverdam Road and was a lifelong resident of the Community. She was preceded in death by her parents Doyce Cleveland and Annie Elizabeth Holcombe Allen; 5 brothers; Chester Ellisworth (Nubbin), Ernest Cleveland, Kenneth, Frank Riley, and Edward Doyce (Junior); 3 sisters, Annie Robenia Davis, Sara Lee Davis, and Mayme Leatrice Brown. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Garland Bennett Sr., one grandchild, and one great-grandchild. She was employed by Roses' Department Store, West Asheville, for 22 years as an assistant store manager. She volunteered at Mission Hospital giving smiles and kind words to patients and families. Her volunteering led to employment in the gift shop at Mission Hospital allowing her to stay in touch with community and friends. She retired at the age of 75. She was a lifelong member of Laurel Hill United Methodist Church (built by her father) in the Beaverdam Community. Until her eyesight failed, she enjoyed bible study both at home and church. Mrs. Bennett enjoyed being with her family and many friends She was a central figure for her family. Another enjoyment was cooking and traveling. She traveled to 48 different states with her daughter Sharon, sister, Mayme Brown, and sister-in-law Betty Allen. Mrs. Bennett is survived by her children: Cecil Garland Bennett, Jr. and wife, Myrtle, of Mount Pleasant, SC; Nancy Elizabeth Tesner and husband, Bernard, and Rose Marie Seleska and husband, Fred, both of Candler; and Sharon Leatrice Mace of Sylva. She has 14 grand children: Tammy Deschaine, Angela Aumen, Todd Bennett, David Tesner, Crystal Ray, Lisa Keever, James and Charles Tesner, Monty, Cameron, and Duane Seleska, Donald Mace, Leatrice Reece, and Sarah Thompson; 28 great- grand children, and four great-great grand children. The family will receive friends at the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home from 1:00 to 2:30p.m. Thursday, October 7. Visitation will be followed by a celebration of her life in the chapel at 2:30p.m. Graveside services will be held at Pisgah View Memorial Cemetery in Candler following the service. The Revs. Ed Worley and Adam Vernon will officiate. Pall bearers will be her grandsons. The family would like to thank the CarePartners Hospice and the many friends for the outstanding care and concern shown to Mrs. Blanche Bennett during her illness. Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice Foundation, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or Laurel Hill United Methodist Church, 351 Beaverdam Loop Road, Candler, NC 28715.