Dairian Cauley Bentley

Dairian was an extremely faithful woman who deeply loved her family, devoting her time and talents to them, her community, and her circle of faith at Green Valley Church in Hoover, Alabama, where she had been a devout member since 1982. She would often admit that she wasn’t the best singer, but God didn’t care because He wanted her to sing loudly and rejoice in Him.

Dairian was born on November 21,1948 to Genelle Sutton Cauley in Macon, Georgia. Her father, Harvey Dairius Cauley, and World War II veteran passed away only a few short months before her birth. Dairian grew up with her mother in a cinder block footed Jim Walter home along with her Mama and Papa Sutton, Genelle’s parents. She was surrounded by an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly. In truth, cousins Barbara and Jacqueline were her sisters. Georgia lore is that they made the best canned tomatoes in six counties.

Dairian’s mother, a machinist at Warner Robbins Airforce Base, dreamed big for her only daughter and made every effort to see that she had a seat at the table. Dairian graduated from a private college preparatory school for girls in 1966. Dairian attended Auburn University from 1966-1968, studying Engineering and Accountancy. She married Mark J. Bentley of Huntsville, Alabama in 1968. Although the couple ultimately decided they were better apart, their marriage brought Dairian three of her greatest joys, her oldest daughter, Morgan, middle child, Courtney, and son, Mark Jr.

Dairian loved spending time with her grandchildren, Nick, Samantha, Grace, Ailie, and Charlie. She also kept covers on the sofa for her fun loving grandfurbaby, Mr. Peanut Butter. The walls and shelves in her home were adorned with pictures of high school and college graduations, band competitions, soccer games as well as elaborate collages and simple sticky notes the grandkids left for her over the years. Every drawer in her home held a memory.

Her home was also filled with annotated scripture. She approached every day as a humble student knowing her learning allowed her to later impart wisdom. Her capacity for love and learning had no end. She also loved adventure whether it be piddling in her garden or understanding the science behind fermentation with the finest muscadines one could find in Alabama or the farmers market in Georgia. She shared these adventures with her partner and trusted companion of 14 years, Mike Gaulden.

Dairian is preceded in death by her father, Harvey Dairius Cauley, and mother, Genelle Sutton Cauley. She is survived by daughters, Morgan Chatham (Jason, Nick, Samantha, Grace) and Courtney Bentley Cunningham (Mark, Ailie, Charlie), and son, Mark Bentley, Jr. (Britni).

Visitation will begin at 12pm on Friday October 4, 2024 at Green Valley Church, 1815 Patton Chapel Road, Hoover, Alabama 35226, with a service to follow at 2pm. A graveside service will follow for close friends and family at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Green Valley Church food bank.