Carolyn Bennett

Carolyn Dale Bennett of Sugarland, Texas passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on 14 January 2021, in Sugarland Texas, at the age of 86. Carolyn was born in Hopewell, Virginia to Vernie Floyd Dale and Lillie Smith on July 14, 1934. Carolyn had three brothers that loved her dearly, were very protective of her, and referred to her affectionately as Miss Suzy Bell. She was a graduate of Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Virginia, and married her high school sweetheart Floyd Vernon Bennett on Dec 26, 1952.

After graduating high school, Carolyn worked as a stenographer for Dupont and later at Virginia Tech, where Floyd completed his engineering degree. In 1962, Floyd and Carolyn brought their young family to Houston, Texas, to be a part of the NASA Apollo program, which would be the beginning of a long and distinguished career for Floyd. Meanwhile, Carolyn chose to devote her time to raising her two young sons. She also chose to continue her education at San Jacinto Jr College. She was very proud of her Virginia heritage and developed a strong interest in Civil War history, making for many spirited debates with her history professors. As her children matured, Carolyn rejoined the workforce as an administrative assistant and executive secretary in order to help with college expenses. In later years she volunteered frequently at local elementary schools to assist young children struggling to read.

Carolyn and Floyd had a close circle of friends from NASA and the neighborhood, with whom they enjoyed many nights of Bridge games, and weekends of water skiing on the San Jacinto River. Carolyn was an avid reader, enjoying clever mysteries and Cold War spy novels. She had an extensive library of her favorite authors including Agatha Christie, John Le Carre, and Tony Hillerman. Always immensely proud of and devoted to Floyd throughout his career, they were fortunate enough later on to travel together extensively throughout the US and Europe, including reconnecting often with their Virginia relatives, and spending time with their four grandchildren in Texas. They were married for 62 years, and loved dearly by family and friends.

Carolyn is preceded in death by Vernie Floyd Dale, Lillie Dale, Jack Dale, William Dale, Robert Dale, and Floyd Vernon Bennett.

Carolyn is survived by her two sons, Vern Bennett and his wife Cindy, Todd Bennett and his wife Terry, her grandchildren Kendall Tart, Gage Bennett, Taylor Bennett, and Madison Bennett, and great grand-daughter Gracelyn Marie Tart.

In light of current health and safety concerns, memorial services are pending and will be announced at a later date. In the interim, fond memories and words of condolence may be submitted online at Legacy.com/Obituaries.