Verna Bennett

Verna Carol Bennett, age 92, passed away on July 20, 2019, at her ranch home south of Ada, Oklahoma where she had resided for the last 50 years. She was born on July 17, 1927 in McAlester, Oklahoma.  Carol loved the summer time and passed away while sitting outside enjoying a warm sunny afternoon.

Carol was raised in a family that was athletic and the value of a college education was a point of emphasis. Carol and all of her siblings, three sisters and three brothers, earned college degrees.  She was raised east of Fittstown, Oklahoma where she attended McLish Public School.  While attending McLish she played and excelled in basketball.  She married M.P. "Doc" Bennett on May 26, 1946.  While in her early 20's Carol and two of her sisters, Dot and Linda, played on the Dixie Queens, an AAU basketball team.  They traveled for four years during the summer months throughout Mexico, Texas, Kansas, and Missouri.  Dot and Linda were named to the Oklahoma All Decade basketball team of the 50's.  Carol's three children, Danny, Larry, and Cindy all played on state championship basketball teams, earned college degrees and became teachers. She earned her college degree in 1971 from East Central University.  She started and ended her teaching career at Connerville teaching elementary school.  Carol was a gifted pianist and played the piano at the various churches she attended. Carol had a love for cooking and was famous for her cream pies.  She also enjoyed watching the OKC Thunder on TV with her brother Paul and sister Dot.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Lisle Delaplain, her mother, Zuleme Gragson Delaplain, sister Eunice Delaplain Graham, and brother James L Delaplain.

Carol is survived by her sisters Dorothy Escamilla and Linda Stephens, brothers, Don and Paul Delaplain. Her children, Danny Bennett and wife Donneva, Larry Bennett and wife Zanda, and Cindy Bennett.  Her grandchildren Lance Bennett, Luke Bennett, Josh Bennett, Zac Bennett, Courtney Bennett, Mandy DeGiacomo, Rachel Matson, River Stinchcomb, Summer Keith, and Scarlett Clark.  She is also survived by 17 grandchildren.

A graveside service for family members will be held at Coley cemetery.

She was a special person who was willing to give so much more than she was willing to take. She will be missed by all.