Shirley Reeves Bennett

Our momma, Shirley Reeves Bennett, 89, of Piperton, TN passed away on March 20, 2024. Momma was born in Paris, TN on January 26th, 1935 to the late Medley and Hazel Reeves. She was an only child. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-father, A C Murray, who was an adored father and grandfather; husband and love of her life, William Bennett; her son, Murray Lee Craft; and her daughter, Stephanie Morris and son in law, Larry Morris.

Shirley is survived by children, Carrie Kelley (Jeff); Joe Bennett (Lindsay); and grandchildren, Kira Morris, Jordan Ansbro, Liam Bennett, Lorelai Bennett, and Josie Bennett.

Momma would always bring up stories about her childhood in Paris TN. Reminiscing about that quaint town and her loved ones always brought a smile to her face. She spent many memorable summers at her Aunt Mabel’s home along with her cousins where they would spend all their time playing sports and board games as well as pretend. She would often recount how creative and playful they all were and described many nights falling asleep in the same room pretending or reading a book while making up their own stories as they went along.

Momma loved church. I, Joe, was convinced as a child that church was actually my home because we were there so much. She loved being in church and listening to the pastor’s message each week at Southland Baptist Church. She and Billy were involved in a small group and loved growing and fellowshipping with them as well as bowling. Their Church family was a huge part of their lives and they continued doing life with them through the years even after they no longer attended Southland. When it came to the Word of God, she was consistent in standing firm on what the Good Book read and said! She veraciously read different versions of the Bible for better understanding of Her Heavenly Father’s words. She would also read different devotionals for encouragement, not only for herself, but for the encouragement of others as well. She was often known to pass them on if a person crossed her mind. Above all, momma just loved the Lord and lived to serve Him.

Momma had a servant’s heart. She financially supported Samaritans Purse and other ministries and enjoyed sewing/creating for various charities. Momma made dolls for children and caps for cancer patients. She crocheted throw blankets for patients in hospitals and even made a large supply of face masks for hospitals and individuals during the pandemic. She enjoyed doing needlework and giving them to her friends as gifts and making baby clothes for her beloved grandchildren and others as well. Later in life, she even took on learning how to make jewelry. To say momma stayed busy would be an understatement.

Our momma stood on kindness, especially in her later years. Any and everyone that came in contact with her always said the same thing: “Your mom is so kind, sweet, and precious.” That’s what she wanted to be known for…. A woman who served and loved the Lord and pointed others to Christ as the only way to Eternal Life, who loved her family, and who loved to laugh.

Memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation or the Cancer Society in Shirley’s honor.

Family will receive friends from 9:00am to 10:00am on Monday, March 25 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd, Bartlett, TN. Services will follow at 10:00am.