Obituaries

Laverne Bennett

Laverne Bennett: 1930 - 2026

Mrs. Laverne Gregory Bennett, age 95, of Franklin, North Carolina, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Born in Macon County, she was the daughter of the late George L. Gregory and Vallie Leona Holland Gregory. Laverne devoted her life to her faith, her family, and serving others as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend.

She was married to the late Rev. William "Bill" Cecil Bennett (USN, WWII, Ret.) for 68 years. Together, they faithfully served in ministry at Sylva Assembly of God, where Laverne was the church organist for 24 years. She had a lifelong passion for gospel music and co-owned Bennett's Music on Highlands Road, where she taught piano and guitar lessons to countless students over the years. Laverne will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and the love she shared with her family, church, students, and friends through her unwavering faith in God.

In addition to her parents and husband, Laverne was preceded in death by her sister, Bernice Inez Gregory Mann; her son, Philip Wesley Bennett; and her brother, Winfred Gregory.

She is survived by her son, Martin Alan Bennett of Franklin; her grandsons, Gregory Michael Bennett (Allison) of Germantown, Tennessee, and Andrew William Bennett of Somerset, Kentucky; and her great-grandchildren, Avery Marie Bennett and Grayson William Bennett.

A Celebration of Laverne's life will be held in the Grant Chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home in Franklin, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. A graveside service will follow at Sugarfork Baptist Church Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, son, and sister.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the assurance of God's promise and celebrates her newfound eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Bennett family.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.