Katie Dale Bennett Pedrick

West Columbia, South Carolina - 95 1/2 years young, Katie Dale Bennett Pedrick entered the Church Triumphant after dying peacefully at home on January 3, 2022, following a wonderful week of family visits over the holidays. Unaware that these would be her last, there was no tinge of sadness, only sweet kisses and hugs all around.

There will be a Witness to the Resurrection service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204. Those unable to attend may view the service online at eastminsterpres.org/live services.

Born on April 24, 1926 in Waycross, GA, Dale was the eldest of three children born to Katie Dale Mitchell and E. Kontz Bennett. She graduated from Agnes Scott College in June, 1947, having majored in History & Political Science. Dale married her high school sweetheart and soulmate, Larry Esteen Pedrick, also of Waycross, GA, on June 26, 1948. Their marriage lasted nearly 50 years and together they raised five children, Katie Dale Pedrick Hogan, of Dexter, GA, Larry Esteen Pedrick, III (Paula), of Houston, TX, Dr. Victoria Atkinson Pedrick, of Washington, D.C., Susan Lang Pedrick McWilliams (Robert), of Columbia, SC, and Florrie Elizabeth Pedrick Rose of Huntsville, AL.

A homemaker and writer, Dale lived throughout the South and Midwest, wherever Larry's career took them, including Macon and Augusta, GA, Louisville, KY, Memphis, TN, Iowa Falls, IA, Bloomington, IL, Kansas City, KS, and Jackson, MS. Dale and Larry retired to Fernandina Beach, FL, a lifelong dream, where they enjoyed vacations with their children and grandchildren. After Larry's death, Dale settled at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia, SC in 2005. As in every town and city she found herself over the years in her moves with Larry, Dale became a vital member of her community where she met many dear and lasting friends. Dale joined the Guignard Society and attended nearly every cultural activity or speaker offered, as she was able. She especially loved her weekly bridge games for money and even left behind a purse of pennies as proof of her prowess.

Dale worked for MacMillan Publishing in New York City after earning her degree from Agnes Scott. She was the author of John Adair, Path of a Patriot, and Georgia Cane Syrup, a collection of memoirs from her contemporaries during World War II. She also co-authored Murder in Fernandina, and she wrote many articles for a local magazine in Jackson, MS. A life-long learner, history was Dale's favorite subject and she freely shared her knowledge with anyone who would listen. Dale left this earthly life with few regrets, but she was bothered by the fact that she never mastered her iPad, or email for that matter.

In addition to her beloved husband Larry, Dale was predeceased by her sister Charity Bennett Stelling of Augusta, GA, her brother, E. Kontz Bennett, Jr. of Waycross, GA, and her brothers-in-law Wilson Grady Pedrick and Jesse Edmund Pedrick of Waycross, GA. In addition to her five children, Dale is survived by eleven grandchildren, George Griffin Hogan, III (Justine), Savannah, GA, Brian Edmund Hogan (Simpson), Dallas, TX, Rebeccah Pedrick Wagner (Stephen), Warrenton, VA, Rachel Pedrick Lake (Joshua), Houston, TX, Joshua Larry Pedrick (Jennifer), Houston, TX, Robert Hall McWilliams, Jr., (Mary Kathryn) Columbia, SC, Larry Pedrick McWilliams (Ashley), Charlotte, NC, John Bennett McWilliams (Hannah Kate), Charlotte, NC, Dale Bennett Pedrick, Washington, DC, Mary Anna Rose, Huntsville, AL, and Emma Elizabeth Rose, Huntsville, AL. Dale counted her nineteen great-grandchildren (with three more due this year) as part of her many blessings from God and she adored her time with them.

Dale was a faithful member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and an active participant in the community at Still Hopes. Just two weeks before her death, she attended the Bible Study and Christmas luncheon of the Eastminster Presbyterian Women at Still Hopes. She belonged to the DAR and the Association of Junior Leagues International. Dale enjoyed a lifelong passion for traveling, and visited Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as many states in America.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers at Still Hopes and Solutions for Living during her final months there. We are especially grateful for the love and care given Dale by Tacey Gohean, LMSW, Director of Community Services at Still Hopes and Sharline Davis, with Solutions for Living.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dale’s alma mater, Agnes Scott College, 141 E. College Ave, Decatur, Georgia 30030, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, One Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia SC 29169, or a charity of your choice.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.