Jessica Ann (Webb) Bennett

She was born November 8, 1947, and grew up in Ravenna, Ohio, to parents Dr. Walter and Ada Ann (Crafts) Webb. Jess graduated from Hiram College and then went on to earn Master’s Degrees from Indiana University and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Jess began her career in education as a teacher of third and fourth grades in Mantua and Shalersville for the Crestwood School System. When she moved to Maryland, Jess taught students in the home and hospital program for the Anne Arundel Public School District. She also edited the newsletter for the American Bed and Breakfast Association and wrote and published a cookbook, Innkeepers’ Finest Recipes. After graduating from Wesley, Jessica became a pastor at Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church in Millersville, Maryland.

Jess loved to sing and was a member of several choral singing groups including the Chesapeake Chorale. She sang throughout the United States, Canada, and several historical venues in Europe. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and P.E.O., International.

Jess enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and traveling. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Jess is survived by her husband Les Bennett, who she married September 1, 1968. She is also survived by her children: Jonathan Lawrence Webb Bennett and his wife Margaret Moore Bennett, and Elizabeth Ann Shipp and her husband Jeremy Shipp. Her memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren: Emily and Artie Bennett and Henry and Isabella Shipp, her siblings: Richard (Susan) Webb, Martha McGovern, Norman (Connie) Webb, and her sister-in-law Cheryl Webb.

Jess was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jerry Webb.

Friends and family will be received Friday, August 12, 2022, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Her funeral service will be officiated by Reverend Dr. David Palmer and Reverend Douglas Denton on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Kent United Methodist Church, 1435 E. Main St., Kent. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna.

Jess can be remembered through contributions to the Walter B. and Ada Ann Webb Memorial Scholarship Fund at Hiram College which aids students from Portage County. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.