Obituary of Elma Bennett

Elma Louise Bennett Born - July 10, 1928 Transitioned - May 26, 2023 Age 94, passed away peacefully at the Chemung County Nursing Facility on Friday, May 26, 2023, with family by her side. She was born in McRoberts, Kentucky, daughter of the late George and Sarah (Helm) Keith. Predeceased by her loving husband Herman Bennett; sons Willie V. Smith and Lanis Smith (Lettie); and siblings Margaret Woods, Janetta Jackson, Fred Keith, George W. Keith, and Willie Keith. Elma ("Gram" and "Aunt Louise" to many) is survived by her loving sons and daughters-in-law Cornell and Grace Bennett (of Richland, NY), Courtney and Christine Bennett (of Millerton, PA), Clotus and Brenda Bennett (of Horseheads, NY), Kelly Smith (of Elmira), and Christine Smith (of Rochester); grandchildren Beonca Jackson (William), Emme Bennett; Tiffany Bennett (Gram's "mini-me") (David), Shauntel Madjercic (James), Courtney Jr., Isaiah, and Marcus Bennett; Jeremiah Bennett; Dr. Dionne Smith; Whitni Smith Root (Jeff), Nat Smith (Jayden Donahue); Sheldon Keith Smith (Jonelle); Tianna Martinez (Conway); Brittany Prignon; Samantha Zosh; Jerel, Jaxon (Carrie), and Evan Blandford; Annalise Murphy (Shawn), Kassy Hess, Donna Perry (Eugene), Janet Davidson and Rebecca Brueckner; her siblings Hattie Stroman, Arthur Keith Sr., Charles (Lillian) Keith Sr., Ellarene Brooks and Delphine Keith; and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends, including her extensive "Church family" and special nieces Wilma Hughey, Flordia Jackson, Gail Keith-McGee, and Denise Keith-Whitty. She devoted her life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, remaining active and leading in church and community services for many decades. She loved to travel to her "roots" in Kentucky and to visit family in Buffalo and Syracuse, having unique bonds with each of her siblings. She raised six sons (plus a couple grandsons) and loved making special memories with her granddaughters. An incredibly-strong, dedicated, and proud wife and mother of men who served in the military, who loved hunting and sports, and who worked various government jobs. She exemplified grace, wisdom, perseverance, and patience. Her homes on Lake Street and Walnut Street in Elmira were known for being neighborhood hangouts for all the kids – places for food, family, friendship, and safety, with strict teachings through faith, good manners, respect for elders, discipline, and love. She had a bible in every room where family and friends gathered. Foolish behavior was not tolerated, though mistakes were forgiven, and growth always embraced. The matriarch of our family and of our many extended families. Our rock, compass, teacher, wind, gravity, and flame. Her legacies are infinite and eternal because she raised, guided, and inspired so many of us, never wavering from her faith and principles. The family is grateful to Catherine and many others at the Chemung County Nursing Facility. Relatives and friends are invited to Faith Temple Community Church of God in Christ, 765 Harper St., Elmira, New York on Sunday, June 4th, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 4:15 p.m. Committal prayers and burial services for the family will be held June 5th at Bath National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Elma may be made to Faith Temple Community Church.