Jacqueline Gray Bennett

Jacqueline Gray “Jackie” Bennett passed peacefully on August 17, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born in Danville, VA, on January 20, 1927, oldest of seven children of Percy Gray and Mary Lynch Gray. Her early years were spent in Danville until her family relocated to Berwyn, MD in 1938. She graduated from Hyattsville High School just days after the successful Allied D-Day Landing. An excellent stenographer and typist, she began a ten-year period as secretary for the Botany Department at the University of Maryland. In 1947, she married John Bennett of Norfolk, VA, and Washington, DC, and they spent almost 74 years devoted to each other. After raising her two children, she returned to work as a secretary in the Prince George’s County school system until she retired in 1984. Jackie spent the first part of her retirement in Bradenton, FL, where she enjoyed sewing, birdwatching, and decorating her home. In 2005, she returned to her native Virginia to be closer to family. Jackie was eternally happy, a consummate lady, and a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a life-long Presbyterian who had a kind word for all. She will be remembered for her smile, enthusiasm for wine, and her short stature. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents, brothers Larry Gray and Tommy Gray, and sisters Lee Perry and Bobbie Frank. Jackie is survived by her children, Jodi Koste (Pete), and Jerry Bennett (Robin), and grandchildren, Andrea Fahey (Joe), Jessica Bennett (Pete), Jason Bennett (Joelle), Allison May (Stuart), and Ryan Bennett. Other survivors include brother Ernie Gray and sister Gloria Treyes, four great-grandchildren, Margot and Audra Fahey, and Riley and James May, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to acknowledge the devotion and steadfast care provided by Jackie’s caregivers from Home Instead particularly Veronica Hayes, Tomeka Johnson, and Eve Sam. A memorial service with a reception to follow will take place at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Dementia Action Alliance, 935 Westchester Road Grosse Pointe Park, MI online at https://daanow.org/donate/