Mary Elizabeth Bennett

Mary Elizabeth Bennett, departed this life on August 22, 2026 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on September 23, 1939, in Hillsborough, North Carolina to Reverend Ervin and Estelle Thompson. The oldest of 15 siblings, Mary often looked after her brothers and sisters and assisted with the family chores.

She graduated from Hillside High School and later attended Salem College in Winston Salem, NC for nursing. In the search for better job opportunities, Mary decided to leave the south and moved to Stamford, CT to live with her Aunt Annie Thompson. Shortly after arriving in CT, Mary worked at Hanley Nursing Home followed by Stamford Hospital where she continued working until she started a family.

Mary met Donald Bennett through a mutual friend in 1960 and two years later on June 30, 1962 they were married. As a young mother of 4, Mary attended Wilson Memorial Church of God in Christ (Bishop Brewer) alongside her husband in her twenties. In her pursuit to follow the call of God on her life she would later attend Miracle Faith Outreach (Pastors Bobby & Chris Davis) where she served in ministry for 20 years and where her love for God and saving souls was nurtured. Mary was involved in the Follow Up Committee (for the newly saved) and the Hallelujah Choir where she enjoyed singing as a high soprano.

Mary continued working in private nursing, eventually retiring in 2001. Shortly after, Mary would attend a service at Ponus Ridge in Norwalk, CT held by New Vision International Ministries under the leadership of Pastor (currently Bishop) Derek Calhoun and Lady (currently Pastor) Sharron. This would become her forever church home where she continued to love and encourage on God's people and those who crossed her path; she was about her Father's business. Mary was an active member and involved in the Discipleship Ministry and was ordained as a minister on January 29, 2012. Affectionately known as Ma Bennett, her love for God and people will forever be apart of legacy. Her radiant smile and gentle spirit were infectious.

Mary is survived by her loving daughters Trina Bennett of Bridgeport, CT, Sylvia Jones (Marcus) of Hamden, CT, Del St. Pierre (Dimitry) of Charlotte, NC and Tameika Bennett of Bridgeport, CT; her sisters Magdalene Davis of Spring Hill, FL, Sarah Green of Land O Lakes, FL, Esterine Coward of Holly Springs, NC, Aseniah Wallace (Robert) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Rachel Thompson of Greensboro, NC, Michelle Byrd (Mark) of Charlotte, NC. and two brothers Phillip Thompson and Samuel Thompson (Carolyn) of Hillsborough, NC as well grandchildren Joshua Smith and Trinity Jones and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Estelle Thompson, husband Donald Bennett, and brothers Joseph, Daniel, David, Mark and Ervin Thompson and sister Ruth Yarborough.

Mary's life is a beautiful testament of God's love, faithfulness, compassion and resilience. We invite all who knew Mary to share their memories and upload photos on her memorial page, celebrating the incredible life she led, and honoring the unforgettable legacy she leaves behind.