Obituary of Thelma Willis Bennett ~ 1998

Transcribed by Joan S Dunn

Source: The News & Observer Nov 4 1998

Thelma Willis Bennett, 81, died Tuesday morning at her home. She was born 
on October 2, 1917, the daughter of Herbert and Mamie Willis. She graduated
with a nursing degree in 1938 and worked at Craven Co. Hospital until her 
retirement in 1980. She quietly cared for the sick and terminally ill and 
was known to be there just to listen.  Probably better known as the Fossil 
Lady of Pamlico County, she was an active member of the Fossil Club of 
North Carolina. She shared her love and knowledge of fossils with school 
children, senior citizens and civic organizations.  
She co-authored the book, "The Cross Roads," which deals with the history 
of Arapahoe. She wrote an unpublished family history for her three sons.  
She was a member of Bethany Christian Church in Arapahoe, where she served 
as an elder and taught Sunday School.  
Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Bethany Christian Church, 
with Rev. Merritt Watson officiating. Burial will follow in the Banks 
Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Bryant Funeral Home Wednesday 
from 7-8 p.m., and other times at the home of her son, Timothy Bennett, 
3811 Mitchell Circle, New Bern.  
She is survived by her three sons, Benjamin F. Bennett III and his wife, 
Joyce, of Austin, Texas, Richard Willis Bennett of Raleigh, and Timothy 
Bennett and his wife, Robin of New Bern; three brothers, Herbert Willis of 
Arapahoe, Robert Willis of Jacksonville and Hewitt Willis of Ft. Meyers, 
FL; two sisters, Dorothy Harrison of Arapahoe and Verta Many of New Bern; 
three grandchildren.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Christian Church in 
Arapahoe.  
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home, Alliance.





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