Marion Rhymer "Bobbie" Bennett

Marion Rhymer “Bobbie” Bennett, passed away to her eternal home in heaven September 16, 2021. Bobbie was born on May 9, 1922, in Asheville, North Carolina, to the late Hardie T. and Sadie Redmond Rhymer. She also was preceded in death by her husband, Laurier James Bennett; three sisters, Bonnie Robinson, Helen Cator, Louise Carter, and brother Roy Rhymer.

Survivors include her 3 children and their spouses: Michael Bennett of Candler; Gary and Carol Bennett of Asheville; Kathy and Steven Kirkland of Hendersonville; as well as six grandchildren: Damian Bennett of Candler; Adam Bennett of Asheville; Amy (Billy) Hendrix of Mooresville, NC; Chris (Stephanie) Bennett of Grants Pass, OR; William (Emily) Bennett of Dayton, OH; Autumn (Grant) Hayball of Grants Pass, OR; 15 great-grandchildren, and several special nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was a 1941 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School. After graduation, Bobbie worked at the Isis Theater, Enka Plant, and Ivey’s Department Store. In 1947, she married the love of her life and stayed home to be a homemaker and raise her children. She returned to work as a substitute teacher at Vance and William Randolph Elementary Schools. She later returned to retail sales at Ivey’s and then retired in 1985 from the lingerie department at John Carroll Fashion Store. Bobbie was very much a people person. She loved to talk and never knew a stranger. She always had a happy attitude, a sweet spirit, and a great sense of humor. She truly enjoyed the simple things in life. She was genuine, kind, full of life, and determined to enjoy every minute, no matter how difficult the challenges she faced. Shaped by the Great Depression, stoic in adversity, she saved and was frugal and prudent all her life. She possessed a positive attitude, an inner strength, and a “can do” spirit that was evident to anyone who knew her. She had many hobbies including taking pictures, listening to music, canning, baking bread, pies, and cakes which she graciously distributed to many neighbors and friends. She had a true passion to garden and grow flowers. With her green thumb, she could grow anything, while always eager to share a cutting, seeds, or plant from her yard.

Bobbie was a devoted and faithful member of Grace Baptist Church since 1947. Over the years she served in many ministry positions and was a member of the Amazing Grace Sunday School Class where she enjoyed all bus activities and fellowship meetings. She was a member of the Southern Railroad Group and enjoyed the monthly luncheon meetings, as well as, meeting up with her former co-workers from John Carroll’s. Above all, Bobbie loved the Lord and will be remembered for her devotion to her family and many friends.

Her final years were spent in Hendersonville, surrounded by her family. Although Bobbie was frail, she was happy, and her mind was sharp. On May 9th, she celebrated her 99th birthday, and was counting the days till she turned 100.
The family would like to especially thank Marlene Hensley for her love and compassion in visiting with mom the last several months.

The Bennett family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the many gestures of friendship, love and sympathy shown during the loss of our beloved mother. Your prayers have helped us immensely during this difficult time.

Private graveside services will be held at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Rd., West Asheville, NC 28806, (828) 254-0841, or to Four Seasons Hospice Foundation, 221 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792, (828) 513-2440.