Effie Jean Bennett was born August 1, 1939, in Thomasville, GA. She attended and graduated from Thomas County Schools in Boston, GA, in 1957. In the early 60's, Effie moved to Florida and remained a resident for over 60 years. Effie retired from GTE Telecommunications after 33 years of employment. She was a faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the late Bishop Eddie Newkirk for over 30 years and then moved her membership to Rivers of Life Church Ministries, INC. for over 25 years with the current Pastor, Curtis A. Swafford. Effie loved to sew, knit, crochet, and do pottery. She had a special passion for cooking. She made the best fried chicken, the best mouth-watering sour cream pound cake, and peach cobbler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Lucy Lewis; sisters, Rosa Lee Newsome, Pearlie Mae Melvin, Ella Jean Robinson, Madine Green, Lillie Lattimore, and Hattie Mae George; brothers, James Lewis, Enos Lewis, Jimmy, Sylvester and R.C. Newsome; aunts, Addie Sailor, Mattie Brown, and Truddie Willis.

She leaves to cherish her loving and faithful daughter, Darlene Bennett Martin (Carl); sons, Curtis Lewis Bennett, Gregg Bennett, Darnell Bennett, and Eric Bennett (Helen); sister, Delores Pickett of Boston, GA; brothers, Joe Lewis (Ossie) of Miami, FL, Lloyd Lewis (Darlene) of Savannah, GA and Eddie Lewis (Dovetose) of Boston, GA; grandchildren, Shacondra Melton, Maurice Melton (Kodi), Ambreia Peebles (Leonard), Nakeisha Bennett, Eric Bennett, Jr., Shaniqua Bennett, Ebony Hunt (Michael), Terrell Bennett; cousin, Willie Mae Lane; two special friends, Yolanda Collins and Sister Rosa Marshall; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. Effie was a true believer of Christ; an angel sent from heaven. She instilled that same faith in her children and grandchildren. Every person that she came across was touched in a loving way. She brought joy and smiles to so many people with her loving infectious smile and laughter. She was meek and mild in manner but left a gigantic impression on everyone. She will forever be in our hearts and soul, and we will miss her dearly. Heaven has definitely gained their angel back. Effie would tell her loved ones and friends, "Do not worry about me for I am at peace and gone home to be with the Lord. God is with me, and He will be with you too. I have taken my rest in eternal peace. I have no more pain and no more sorrow. I have fought a good fight and my race is finished. Keep God first, live right and I will see you again. I love you."