Susan Marie Bennett

Susan Marie Bennett (Craig) passed peacefully on April 23, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by loved ones at her home in Jacksonville, Florida.

Born in Jacksonville on July 20, 1945, Susan attended Fishweir Elementary and graduated from Forrest High School, where she was voted “wittiest” in her senior class. Susan went on to obtain degrees from Lees-MacRae College, Florida State University, and a Master of Education from the University of Tennessee. Susan devoted her entire life to children and touched thousands of young lives, serving as a beloved teacher in the Duval County Public Schools at Jacksonville Heights Elementary and Abess Park Elementary for more than 40 years.

Susan was particularly devoted to her three grandsons, Zach, Brad and Nick, who lived down the street from “Seesu” most of their lives. She never missed one of their games, performances, ceremonies, special events or rides to school in her neon green VW “Bug.” Smart, clever and classy, Susan was uniquely creative, a champion for learning through play, never missing a teaching moment and always finding a way to make it fun. She was a talented crafter, especially adept at cross-stitching, also had a passion for animals and had many dogs, recently including Sweetums the dachshund and Bo the chihuahua. Additionally, her passion for sports, especially her favorite Florida State Seminoles, was a priority her entire life.

Susan is survived by her sisters Mary Danese and Anna Bennett; daughters Amy (Denis) Blanco and Jennifer (Eddie) Ortiz; her beloved grandsons Zachary David Benwick, Bradley Morgan Benwick and Nicholas Christopher Benwick; as well as multiple nieces, grand nieces, nephews, grand nephews, cousins, and countless friends and extended family.

The family would like to thank the teams at Baptist South, Life Care Center of Jacksonville, and Community Hospice & Palliative Care for their care of Susan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Giving Closet Project in Jacksonville or the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., both causes dear to Susan’s heart.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, on May 8, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A private graveside service will be held for family at Oaklawn Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Joy Laughridge.