Meda Vardaman Bennett

Meda had a long and full life. She was born on August 3, 1931 in Sylacauga to loving parents Meda Byrd and John Porter Vardaman. Her father was a contractor and her mother was principal of B.B. Comer and later Sycamore School. Meda had one younger sibling, Alice Vardaman McGillivray. She graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1948. Meda met the love of her life during high school. They were married September 2, 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Sylacauga.

Meda got her Master's Degree in Education from Montevallo and was an outstanding educator. She began her distinguished teaching career at Sycamore High School where several of her students were men who had returned from World War II and were returning to school to complete their education and were older than Meda. She taught many years in the Sylacauga School system at Pinecrest and East Highland until retiring in 1989. Known for unwavering commitment to student success, Meda Bennett was loved and cherished by many of her students. Her children and grandchildren still meet some of her students that sing her praises often.

Meda enjoyed being part of the Sylacauga community. She was a proud and passionate member of many organizations which include: Sylacauga Teacher's Association, Sylacauga Service League, Wise & Otherwise Study Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, Marble City Cemetery Committee, Sylacauga Historical and Preservation Society, Red Hat Society, Investment Club Neighbors, and Pinecrest Walking Track Committee. Whether she was helping plan a community event, attending a meeting, or simply sharing a laugh with friends her bright smile and energy was felt by all.

Above all Meda Bennett adored her family and her circle of friends. Her love lives on through her children and grandchildren who will forever carry her lessons in their hearts.

Meda is survived by her daughter, Sandra B. Murchison (Wayne); son, Douglas B. "Speedy" Bennett (Paula); grandson, Aric S. Murchison (Angie); granddaughter, Angie M. Horton (Brian); step grandson, Reese Jacobs (Michelle); great grandson, Jace Murchison (Marisa); great granddaughter, Kaitlin Murchison; great grandson, Baylee Horton (Carlen); great Grandson, Bennett Horton; great grandson, Brady Horton; step great grandson, Connor Jacobs; step great grandson, Owen Jacobs; great great granddaughter, Madelynn Murchison; great great granddaughter, Everleigh Murchison; great great grandson, Beckham Horton; great great granddaughter, and Mila Horton. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Durward A. Bennett, Jr. and her parents and sister.

We will always remember her by the way she stressed to everyone to use proper grammar. Her grandchildren would always respond to the correction with "Gigi you were a science teacher not an English teacher."

She was always proud of her family. Her lasting impact that she had on the family was her commitment to education and encouraged them to pursue higher learning and chase their dreams.

Visitation will be held at Curtis and Son Funeral Home, North Chapel, 1315 Talladega Hwy, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, on June 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, with the Funeral Service to follow at 12:30 pm. The final resting place will be at Marble City Cemetery in Sylacauga.