Lilly “Punkin” Bennett

Lilly “Punkin” Bennett, age 86, a resident of Washington, NC, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022, at her home.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Pamlico Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm ~ 6:00 pm, Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Service and other times at the home.

Pallbearers include Bill Seawright, Kelvin Toler, Johnny Toler, Harry Gautier, Brad Miller and Rich Nobles.

She was born in South Carolina on August 13, 1935 to the late Adger T. and Fanny Thrasher Crawford.

On December 19, 1954 she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Louis Bennett who preceded her in death on February 5, 2004.

Punkin worked with Lydia Mills South Carolina Cotton Textile Industry as a quality controller. After moving to Washington she had several clerical positions that she enjoyed.

Punkin loved golfing. She began golfing in 1974. Through the years, she was the Ladies Golf Association (LGA) Playdate Chairman and they played numerous tournaments in the region. Punkin was the Washington Yacht and Country Club (WYCC) Club Champion 4 times…1993, 1999, 2000 and 2003. She was the Presidents Club Champion twice…1986 and 1997. Punkin proudly boast about her 5 Holes in One, an achievement not many can claim, not even Bob Bennett…June 17, 1978, April 27,1991, November 18, 1998, May 21, 1999 and February 27, 2011. On the days they weren’t able to get on the golf course, she enjoyed playing cards with the ladies.

Punkin was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and GiGi.
Along with her parents, Punkin was preceded in death by three sisters; Helen B. Collins, Ann C. Parrish, Mary Seawright and her two brothers; Major Crawford, and Adger T. Crawford, Jr.

Punkin is survived by her daughter; Debra Bennett Clark, son and daughter-in-law; James Robert J.R. Bennett and Elaine T. Bennett, granddaughter; Adrianne “Keni” McCrary, granddaughter and grandson-in-law; Danyel and Cole Hartley, grandson; Daniel R. Bennett, Great-grandson; Trenton Louis McCrary, and her Great-granddaughter; Austyn Cole Hartley.

Flowers are welcome or a donation in Punkins name may be made to J and J’s Homeless Pet Rescue by CLICKING HERE

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to be assisting the Bennett family.