Sandra Margaret Carlisle Bennett, 74, of Decatur passed away April 24, 2018. Visitation and celebration of life services will be at Wesley Memorial UMC on Saturday, April 28th. Visitation at 2 p.m. with a celebration of life service to follow at 3 p.m.
Sandra Bennett known as Sandi to her family and friends was born in Birmingham. She graduated from Shades Valley High School. Sandi and Berval Wayne Bennett met, fell in love and celebrate more than 50 years of marriage. She attended Athens State College. She graduated with a Master’s Degree and began her Doctoral studies at the University of Alabama. Her studies at Alabama were changed by her greatest gifts, two sons, Ashley Wayne Bennett and William Adam Bennett. Sandi was an educator in the Decatur City School system for 25 years before retiring. Her teaching career began at Lakeside Elementary School in Birmingham before moving to Decatur. She was the Physical Education Supervisor for Decatur City Elementary schools, taught at West Morgan, Austinville Elementary, Frances Nungester Elementary and returning to Austinville where she retired. Sandi was also very involved at Athens State. She served on the faculty as well as the Alumni Association where she held many different offices and responsibilities for 28 years. Sandi was an active member of the ADK Teachers Sorority and Phi Mu Fraternity. She and her brother, William Edward Jr. furthered their education by taking part in a Spanish Immersion Study in Mexico. Sandi and her brother William (Bubba) were also co-owners of the Humming Bird Antique Mall. Through her business relationship in the community, she was very active with the Commodores part of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. She was an avid bridge player belonging to several Bridge Clubs. Sandi used that love of bridge to begin Bridge and the Bible at Wesley Memorial UMC where she was a member for 44 years. She chaperoned mission trips with the youth, she was a cook and hostess for our Wednesday night dinners and was active in countless other ways. Sandi was very involved with Special Olympics for many years attending both State and National Olympic games. Promoting good health to her students was very important. She served as the State Co-coordinator for Jump Rope for Heart for the American Heart Association.
Sandra Margaret Carlisle Bennett was preceded in death by William Edward Carlisle (father), Margaret Grace Carlisle (mother) and William (Bubba) Edward Carlisle, Jr. (brother).
Sandra Margaret Carlisle Bennett is survived by her husband, Berval Wayne Bennett; two sons, Ashley Wayne Bennett (Fabienne) of Natchez, Mississippi, William Adam Bennett (Catie) of Los Angeles, California; grandchildren, Sophie Bennett, Carter Wayne Bennett; her only sister, Carolyn Perselle of Metuchen, New Jersey. She cherished her many family members and friends.
Instead of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of the Valley and The American Cancer Society.
Ridout’s Brown-Service Funeral Home is assisting.
