Miss Virginia “Gensie” Bennett, 90
Miss Virginia “Gensie” Bennett, 90, passed away February 20, 2023 in Adel, Georgia. Virginia was born May 5, 1932 and has been a lifelong resident of Adel. She was the daughter of the late Burton B. and Ruth Gray Bennett. Virginia attended Cross Roads School and graduated from Sparks Adel High School. She received her Bachelor Degree of Education from Valdosta State College.
Virginia retired from the Cook County Department of Family and Children Services, serving as the Director for 37 years. Before beginning her career with DFCS she was a dedicated teacher in Barney, Georgia. Throughout her years with the Department of Family and Children Services she was always there caring for the families, especially the children, acting as their strongest advocate. At times, even depriving herself from needed rest, recreation and her own interests to serve those in need in Cook County.
She was a member of the Antioch Church in Adel. Virginia was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Brushy Creek Indian Wars Society and she served on the American Cancer Society Board for 50 years. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women’s Club at Antioch Church, a member of the Cook County Historical Society and received several awards including Boss of the Year from the Cook County Chamber of Commerce as well as several commendations and awards from the State of Georgia for her excellent work with the Department of Family and Children Services. The local Cook County Bar Association honored Virginia with the Liberty Bell Award recognizing her outstanding service for promoting a better understanding of the government and for encouraging a greater respect for the Courts. This is the highest honor the association awards each year.
She was an avid quilter and loved to read. Virginia had many lifelong friends that she was always sure to keep in touch with.
Virginia is survived by her sister, Betty Jean Lloyd. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Danny Emrich (Teresa), Bunny Parrish (Lin), Phil Emrich (Pamela), Tracy Dodson (Ben), Barry Fletcher (Charlene), Amy Fletcher, Brad Bennett, Todd Bennett (Gina), Lindsay Barkwell (Bill) and Suzanne Padgett (Duane); her great nieces and nephews: Nikki Emrich, Bubba Emrich (Shayla), Robin Roberts (Deron), Brandon Emrich, Ben Dodson, Jr., W.T. Fletcher, Haley Bennett, Abbey Bennett, Josslyn Barkwell, Maci Padgett and Brady Padgett. And her great-great nieces and nephews: Drew Dobbins, Gracie Emrich, Gensie Emrich, Natalie Roberts, Alyssa Roberts, and DeLanie Roberts. Virginia is preceded in death by her father Burton B. Bennett, her mother Ruth Gray Bennett, sisters Mattie Ruth Emrich and Mary Jo Fletcher, brother Carroll Bennett and great-great nephew Graham Emrich.
Special thanks to her wonderful caregivers, Pam Hamner, Bea Folsom, Mamie Lamb, Runnette “Renee” Scruggs, Shanta Paige, her home health care nurses, and her dedicated personal trainer Carissa Oren.
Funeral Services for Virginia were held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Antioch Church with Rev. Brian Gay and Rev. Christy Bandy officiating. Visitation took place at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment followed at Antioch Church Cemetery. Lisa Folsom played piano and sang “I Believe”, “How Great Thou Art” and “I Call It Home” and Bubba Emrich, Brandon Emrich, Brad Bennett, Ben Dodson, Phil Emrich, Todd Bennett, Brady Padgett and Barry Fletcher served as pallbearers.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to your favorite charity or organization. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.boonefunerals.com Boone Funeral Home, Inc. is serving the family of Miss Bennett.