Irene LaVaughn Bennett

Irene LaVaughn Bennett, age 90, passed away peacefully in Clayton, North Carolina surrounded by family to be with her Lord and Savior on December 9, 2023. LaVaughn, as she was known, was born in Wallace, Nebraska on May 8, 1933 to the late Rev. Vernon H. Thomas and Irene Violet Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Basil O. Bennett, in 1998, of Beckley, West Virginia, and daughter Melody Jean Adkins and a brother Charles George Thomas.

LaVaughn was known to her family and friends as a very loving and generous person who spread sunshine everywhere she went. She lived a wonderful and full life. She was a talented musician and loved the color purple. She always enjoyed traveling and making memories.

At her request, no funeral services will be held. She donated her body to the UNC School of Medicine after battling a rare disease (Amyloidosis) for the past 4 years. A private memorial service will be held for her immediate family in Beckley, WV at a later date.

LaVaughn was a long-time resident of Beckley, West Virginia, and most recently stayed with her daughter in Clayton, North Carolina. She worked for many years as a secretary for the Raleigh County Board of Education in Beckley, West Virginia, and then with her husband in their self-owned businesses. She was an active member of the Garner Church of God in Garner, North Carolina.

LaVaughn leaves behind to cherish her memory two children: Penny Atwood and husband Paul of Clayton, North Carolina, and Tom Bennett and wife Betty of Beckley, West Virginia. She is also survived by a son-in law, Rick Adkins and by seven grandchildren: Kelly Dove and husband Joshua, Amy Alford and husband Ashley, Brandon Bennett and wife Cassie, Joshua Bennett, Andrew Bennett and wife Allison, Toni Daniel, and Paul Adkins. She was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the building fund at Beckley Church of God at 2213 South Kanawha Street in Beckley, West Virginia 25801, OR to the mission fund at Garner Church of God at 2208 Benson Road in Garner, North Carolina 27529.

A special thanks to the Johnston Home Care and Hospice in Smithfield, North Carolina, especially Rhonda, Erin and Mary.