Mildred Mary Bennett, age 94, of Lake Charles, passed away Friday morning, September 8, 2023, at Forever Young Home in Groves, Texas, surrounded in spirit by her loving children Dale, David, Donald, and Dennis, and Daughter-in-Law Neva.
Mildred Mary Gautreaux was born August 5, 1929, in Lake Charles, LA to Edward and Della Broussard Gautreaux.
At age 15, during WWII, Mildred started working at Theriot’s Grocery on Broad Street in order to help support her family. It would be at that store where she would meet the love of her life, Carl Bennett Jr. In 1950, they would marry in Lake Charles and live in DeRidder. A year later they had their first child, a son. Mildred would bear three more sons while living in DeRidder. Her husband was then transferred to New Braunfels, Texas, and Pleasanton, Texas.
Missing home, Carl, Mildred, and the four boys returned to Lake Charles. A loving mother and homemaker, Mildred was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, especially for the holidays. Carl and Mildred were members of Sale Street Baptist Church.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl E. Bennett Jr., her brothers, Chester and Jesse and wife Lillian; sister and husband Bernice and Alfred Duhon, sisters Maydell Gautreaux and Audry Pearson, brother-in-law Max Bennett and wife Betty, brothers-in-law, George Townsley and Herman Bennett.
She is survived by her sons Dale, David, Donald Bennett and wife Neva, and Dennis Bennett; grandchildren, Jeff Bennett and wife Ashley, Rachael Duhon and husband John, and Daicha Gaspard and husband Derrick; five great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, JB Pearson; sister-in-law, Laverne Townsley; brother-in-law, Bruce Bennett and wife Melanie; and sister-in-law, Marie Bennett.
Visitation will be held at 3001 Ryan St. Lake Charles, LA, 70601 on September 19, 2023 at 10am until the time of service at 11am. Services will be led by Hixson Celebrant Jody Barrilleaux.
Burial will follow at Prien Memorial Park in Lake Charles, LA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.JEHixson.com for the Bennett family.
