Mrs. Kathleen C. Bennett

Kathleen Celestine (Hamiel) Bennett, affectionately known as Snook, Mama Snook, and Mama Bennett, and Ma Bennett, was peacefully called home to glory and entered into eternal rest on September 11, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by her devoted family. She was born in Newport News, Virginia, on September 2, 1940, to the late Ekie and Cleopatra Hamiel. She was a cherished wife, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and a friend to many. Most of all she was a good and faithful servant, a child of God and a great woman of Faith.

Kathleen was educated in the Newport News Public School system where she graduated from Carver High School Class of 1957. She continued her education through the Newport News Office of Human Affairs and Thomas Nelson Community College earning certifications in Clinical Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy.  She was married to the late J.P. Bennett. 

As a dedicated and diligent worker, Ma Bennett began her professional career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Langley Air Force Base Hospital, Newport News Health Department and the medical offices of the late Dr. Arthur Turner, Dr. Melvin Green, and Dr. Lind Chinnery, where she worked as a CNA and a Phlebotomist.  Also, she worked at Howmet Aerospace as a Team Leader prior to her retirement.

A mother of profound wisdom and gentle spirit, Mom Bennett dedicated her life to spreading joy and kindness to everyone around her. Particularly noteworthy, were the countless times she would assist the senior citizens throughout the community with countless health awareness initiatives.  Her infectious laughter and warm smile could brighten the darkest days, creating a long-lasting impression on the many families, friends, and strangers. A connoisseur of life, she enriched the lives of those close to her with her deep appreciation for cooking.  Kathleen left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, especially, the members of the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple community, where she served faithfully in several ministries such as the Orange Blossoms, Bible Study, Sunday School,  Greeters, Deaconess, Willing Workers, Meals on Wheels, Vacation Bible School, and the Women’s Ministry. Above all, she was a devoted church mother, and her life was deeply rooted in her unwavering faith and close relationship with God.  Anchored in prayer, meditation, and the study of her Bible, you could often find her providing spiritual uplift to those who were experiencing life challenges.  She would always tell us that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away.  She relished those moments with  her great-granddaughters, Kerrington and Koi.  When Ma Bennett relocated to Northern Virginia due to her failing health, she enjoyed her “Sunshine Babies” providing entertainment for her, reading her daily scriptures, being her beauty/fashion consultants, and her “private duty” nurses.  Their time was filled with laughter, memories, and a closeness that will be treasured always.      

Kathleen is proceeded in death by her parents Ekie and Cleopatra Hamiel; spouse J.P. Bennett; brothers Fred and John Jasper Hamiel; sisters Mary Lillie Knox, Pauline Percell and Queen Elizabeth Cooper; son James Edward Hamiel; nieces Charlotte Swann and Gloria Foster.  She is survived by daughters Angela Robinson (Larry) and Jacqueline Cooper, and son Lonnie Cooper; grandchildren Kia Robinson-Wilson, Edward and Jami Hamiel, Chinelo Johnson, Shekinah and Lonnie Cooper Jr.; a host of great-grandchildren; nieces Deborah Knox, Anita Harvell and Tonya Hamiel; God-sister Virleen Johnson Goddaughter Patrese Langford Patrese Pastor/son Dr. Jerome A. Barber and Godsons Dr. Christopher C. Carter Sr. (Anita). and Anthony (Floyd) Hewitt.  Mother Bennett also shared her journey with a multitude of extraordinary friends who were like her adopted family in which we will be forever grateful, especially those who endured to the end.

Through the years, the hardships of life refined you. You leave behind a beautiful legacy, meaningful life, taking the challenges with grace and always rising above.  Although, death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.  There was and will always be only one Ma Bennett. In our sadness, we are lifted by the extraordinary gift of her life.  Her legacy inspires us to strive to live up to the high standards she set for us.

The family ask that all attendees, please wear purple or lavender. 

It is the desire of the Bennett family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Kathleen Bennett has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home,

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