Patricia L. Bennett

Springfield - Patricia L. Bennett (Jowers) 72, of Springfield, MA died at home on April 24, 2018. Pat as she was known to friends and family was born January 8, 1946 in Springfield to the late William and Lillian (Dillard) Jowers. She attended Springfield schools, having very fond memories of Buckingham School in particular. Where she made life-long friends. She married her husband of 55 years James J. Bennett Sr. on December 25, 1963. From that union they had 3 children. James(Jimmy) J. Bennett Jr., baby boy Bennett, deceased son 1964, Suzette M. Cotton (Bennett). In addition, to their two children she opened her home to many by being a foster parent. During her ten year span as a foster parent approximately 300 children were helped and loved by "Mrs. Pat". In earlier years she was a true crafter and found pleasure in ceramics, painting, fishing, and macramé. When she was not crafting she was either watching basketball or playing Bingo. Pat worked in local retail for many years, concluding her employment in 2010 when she retired. She enjoyed being with family and friends, she expressed joy and happiness when she was among them. She looked forward to family gatherings and events, where her and her smile were first to arrive. She recently joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 2017 where she found spiritual peace and a renewed connection to God. At Mt. Zion she was on the missionary board. She is survived by her husband James J. Bennett Sr., her son James (Jimmy) J. Bennett Jr. of Springfield and her daughter Suzette M. Cotton (Alex Cotton) of Wilbraham. She also leaves six grandchildren, Kidon Gebersadik, Tameka(Meka) Bennett, Cassandra(Sunny) Bennett, James(Jas) J. Bennett III, Alexander(AJ) Cotton Jr. and Mikel Malone all of Springfield, MA, three great grand-children Jaylen Graham, Otis Allen and T'yana Brown all of Springfield, MA. She had many nieces and nephews but was especially close to her niece Shawna Garcia-Roman (Chicopee), nephew Luvotta Singleton(Wilbraham), cousin Skip Williams of California who kept her traveling and connected to her ancestry through which she was able to find her nephew Nathaniel Lewis II (Maryland) whom she spent the last week of her life visiting, stating, "I had the time of my life" and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Bennett will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 11am at Mt Zion Baptist Church, the Reverend Doctor Atu White officiating, 33 Oak Street, Springfield. Private burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.nefcc.net

Patricia L. Bennett

January 8, 1946 - April 24, 2018