Sally Sivyer Bennett

Sally Sivyer Bennett was born on October 9, 1950 to Helena and Donald Sivyer in Miami, Florida. She grew up in Miami with her parents and six siblings. She graduated from Miami Norwood High School, where she played the flute in the marching band. She began dating her husband, Richard Charles Bennett, while still in high school. Richard and Sally were married in September of 1970 and then moved to Manatee County. They enjoyed fifty-five years of married life together. They had two children, Denise Kimberly and Richard Charles, Jr.

Sally loved camping, boating, and traveling with Richard and their family. She took pleasure in cooking for her two children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. She was passionate about her relationship with Jesus and loved seeing others come to know Him as well. She spent a lot of time at church in the nursery, leading children’s choir productions, teaching Sunday School, and helping with VBS. She was the teaching leader for seven years for the day women’s class of Bible Study Fellowship International in Bradenton, Florida. She volunteered at CareNet Crisis Pregnancy Center, counseling women in crisis and offering hope, prayer, and financial help to many. She also volunteered at Good News Club, an afterschool program for kids at McNeil Elementary, until her health prevented her from continuing.

Sally peacefully passed away at home, Sunday, December 21st, surrounded by family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Bennett; her children, Denise (Martin), Rick (Kelli); her cherished grandchildren, Kimberly (Jonathan), Daniel (Davina), Jack (Autumn), Andrew, Caleb, Nathan, Rebecca, Sarah, and Kate; her great-grandchildren, Alethia, Brooklynn, Valor, and Blaire; and her siblings, Lucy, Don, Nancy, Susan, John, and Dan.

A celebration of life will be held on January 3, 2026 at Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church (5600 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240). There will be a viewing at 1:00 p.m. and a service at 2:00 p.m.