Melanie Smith Bennett

MRS. MELANIE S. BENNETT Mrs. Melanie Smith Bennett, 66, of LaGrange, died Friday, November 25, 2011, at 12:15 a.m., surrounded by her family at Hospice LaGrange. During the past few weeks, she was under the care of West Georgia Hospice Home Care. A homecoming service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 28, in the Chapel of Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home in Hogansville. Dr. Paul Baxter and the Reverend Jerry Eley will officiate, with interment in Myrtle Hill Cemetery. Special music will be performed by the Reverend Paul Blair and Anthony Criswell. The family will receiv3 friends at the funeral home from 5 until 8 Sunday evening. Born April 21, 1945, in Mobile, Alabama, Mrs. Bennett was the daughter of the late Robert E. and Minnie Lou Smith, was a graduate of the University of Georgia and member of Chi Omega Alpha sorority. She resided in Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte, Columbia, Pittsburgh, and was a resident of LaGrange since 1996. She was a member of First Baptist Church on the Square, and was active in the Richard Shiver Sunday School Class and the church sanctuary and hand bells choirs prior to her illness. She was a teacher before becoming a homemaker; was a member of Highland Country Club; was an original member of Bel Canto of LaGrange; had volunteered with West Georgia Hospice and Callaway Gardens; and was actively involved with her husband in many alumni functions at LaGrange College. Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Barry Bennett of LaGrange; daughter and son in-law, Laurie and Michael Burkett; granddaughters, Ashtyn and Taylar Burkett, all of Hogansville; and numerous cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to West Georgia Hospice. Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Visitation: from 5 until 8 Sunday evening, November 27th, at Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home Services: 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 28th, in the Chapel of Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home Interment: Myrtle HIll Cemetery in Hogansville