Barbara Ann Davis Bennett, 91, Mars Hill, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021. Barbara was born February 4, 1930 to the late Roy J. Davis and Myrtle Quakenbush Davis Smith. She was a cheerleader at both Mars Hill High School and Mars Hill College. Barbara graduated in 1950 and worked at Asheville Citizen-Times before coming to Mars Hill Baptist Church in 1956 as the first full-time secretary in the new church building. She retired in 1992 after 36 years of service. In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her stepfather, Dr. Lawrence G. Smith and stepmother Elizabeth Davis; her husband whom she dated in high school and married in 1953, William C. “Bill” Bennett; and her brother, Dr. William Douglas Davis.
Barbara is survived by her nieces, Terrie Davis Minnier and husband Michael, and Lee Davis Kennedy and husband Robert; great nephew, Christopher Minnier; great niece, Katya Kennedy; sister-in-law, Angela Davis; and cousins, Bill Quakenbush and Linda Briggs.
A funeral service will be held at 11am Monday, May 24, 2021, at Mars Hill Baptist Church. Rev. Dr. Tommy Justus will officiate. A private burial will be held at Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Barbara was an avid animal lover and gave a home to many cats and dogs.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.