Ollie Jo Bennett, 92, of Holiday, Florida, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, March 17, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Brantley, Alabama, Ollie Jo, the wife of Russell Bennett, a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired Deputy U.S. Marshal, lived a number of places over the years including Germany, Scotland, and Alaska. They settled in Holiday in 1991 where they retired and built their dream home. Ollie Jo worked in Federal Civil Service for many years, including as a telephone operator and later as a Commissary Officer. She was dedicated to her career and equally dedicated to being a wife and mother. Ollie Jo was a Christian. In her leisure time, she enjoyed sewing, cooking, playing Pinochle and ‘family’ Poker, as well as spending quality time with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell “Ben” Bennett; her parents, Thurston Butler and Mamie Holley Butler; granddaughter, Cara Elizabeth Kelley; brothers, Clyde and George; and sisters, Bobbie, Wonnie, Faye, and Linda.
Ollie Jo is survived by two daughters, Deborah Kelley of Holiday and Karen Bennett of Colorado Springs, CO; three sisters, Melba Knowles (George) of Salt Springs, Bettie Lewis of WVA and Ann McCarthy of Fort Myers, FL; and three grandchildren, Russell E. Kelley (Mandi), Lara Y. Sloan (Jason) and Rave Bennett.
Services celebrating Ollie Jo’s life will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Bro. Ricky Bybee officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill West Cemetery in Palatka. No visitation is scheduled.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Ollie Jo’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.