Helen Christine Stewart Bennett

After living 85 fulfilling years, Chris Bennett passed away at WakeMed Cary Hospital in Cary, NC, surrounded by those who loved her dearly. She was born in Cedar Grove, NC, to Lurie and Nonie Stewart. She and her elder sister, Dorothy, were raised on the family farm, working the crops and raising her pet squirrels. Chris preferred the pace of city life and, after graduating valedictorian of her senior class at Aycock High School, she headed for Raleigh to attend High Point Business College.

After completing her education, Chris remained in Raleigh where she met Cyrus Bennett at a local dance. The result was 17 years of marriage and two sons, Michael and David. As a US Air Force spouse she lived in and travelled to many places, including Italy, Spain, Greece and Morocco. Chris settled with her sons in Goldsboro, NC, continued her career in civil service with the Department of Defense, and took care of her mother in Cedar Grove. She made her final move to Cary in the late 1980's, retired from her full-time job in 1993, and continued to work part-time with the EPA into her 80's.

Chris filled her days in many ways, playing cards with her grandchildren, watching her "stories," or taking day trips with her girlfriends to see the leaves turning in the mountains or to see a show in Myrtle Beach. Chris could play piano, type 100+ words per minute and cook a mean sweet potato casserole. She collected Hummels, attended church and was the first to try something new. She was adored by her three grandchildren and she loved them dearly. She had a youthful spirit and sweet nature that will be greatly missed.

Chris leaves behind to mourn her passing: son, David Bennett and his wife, Devon; son, Michael Bennett and his wife, Maggie; grandchildren, Logan, Niya and Mason; sister, Dorothy Jacobson; nephew, Paul Jacobson and wife, Kim; and nephew, Alan Jacobson.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at 7pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. The family will welcome visitors immediately following the service. A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Mebane, NC, at 10am on Thursday, June 6, 2013.