Marcia Jane Whipple Bennett

marcia bennett

March 27, 1935 ~ March 5, 2023

Born in: Las Vegas, NV
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Marcia J. Bennett (nee Whipple), 87, of Asheville, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023 of congestive heart & kidney failure after a lengthy illness.

She was a native of Las Vegas, NV, and was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and LaVerna Whipple, and siblings, Blaine, Georgia Ann and Sandra. She is survived by her brother, Evan Whipple.

Marcia Jane Whipple was born on March 27, 1935 in Las Vegas, NV, where her parents, LeRoy and LaVerna Whipple first bought land in 1920 and settled in a home built on South Sixth Street. Marcia was the middle child in a family of two older siblings (Blaine and Georgia Ann) and two younger siblings (Sandra and Evan). Marcia grew up with interests in writing and music, becoming a talented pianist in contests, winning a First Prize playing for the famous, flamboyant pianist, Liberace. It was truly a special moment in the sun for her.

Marcia went on with her musical training and attended Brigham Young University, graduating in 1956 with a teaching degree in Education. She met her husband, Ernest J. Bennett at BYU, marrying him the day after her graduation. They reared five children: Kristine, Kathryn, Brian, Bradley and Bruce and made their home in California, where Marcia taught school, English and History, for more than 20 years. She was proud of her achievements in the Education field, being named Volunteer Teacher of the Year (for a special school program with a Health Care Center) and giving a speech at Disneyland! She obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling and served 28 years at Dublin Unified School District, her last 15 years as a School Counselor.

She divorced after raising her 5 children, and found a new life in retirement in Asheville, NC, where she lovingly tended an extensive flower garden and participated in the artist community (knitting throws for friends and teaching students piano). Her love of writing inspired completing another Master’s course in Russian Literature. Her love of dogs also prompted her to rescue and raise “retired” show dogs, champion beagles: Sparky, Lil Sis, Buddy and Molly, which brought her years of joy!

After a series of physical challenges, Marcia moved to Heather Glen at Ardenwoods, where she taught Senior classes and reading to the residents for her last 5 years. She donated her beloved books to the library and her most cherished Grand Piano, which is in the Resident Dining Hall today. Her wish was to have her piano go on to entertain many with inspiring music.

A Memorial Service in her memory will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arden (3401 Sweeten Creek Road), of which she was a member, starting at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 11, 2023. A private interment will take place at Shepherd Memorial Park.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

Services

Funeral Service: March 11, 2023 2:00 pm

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3401 Sweeten Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28803

(828)687-2576

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Kristine (Bennett) McCulloch, eldest daughter of Marcia; visiting you in Asheville was fun, taking you to all of the interesting shops in town! Love you so much Mom & I know in my Heart, we will meet again!

  2. Sandra Goodman, friend and former visiting teacher (Antioch, CA). Marcia and I kept in touch after she moved to North Carolina and I had hoped to visit her there but never had a chance to do that. She loved my fudge and I sent it to her for her birthday many times. Until we meet again, dear sister, I’m sure you’re having as grand reunion with many family members and friends.

  3. Thinking of you often. I got word you wanted to see me in the middle of the night you passed. By morning, they told me you were gone. I’ll see you on the other side “Racing in the Rain”.


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