Bennett, Mari
CLERMONT, FLA.
— Mari Lora Preacher Bennett of Clermont, Fla., died peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on March 24, 2024. She was 75 years old. Born December 2, 1948, to Dr. Madison Lee Preacher and Mary Elizabeth Boyd Preacher, Mari grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Ursuline Academy before attending Fisk University, where she received a B.A. degree in Mathematics. She married Edward V. Bennett, Jr., MD in 1968, (divorced, 1998.)
Her early work career was with Rockwell International Inc. in Columbus, Ohio, where Mari was a financial analyst in the long-range profit division. For twenty years, she was out of the formal work world, as she focused on her children and volunteer work in the community. During this time, she was on the Board of the Arnot Museum in Elmira, N.Y., the Seven Lakes Girls Scouts Council, and an officer of the Medical Auxiliary at the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Pa. Mari later worked for the Center for Women in Government-liberty Partnerships Program in Albany, N.Y., and Literacy Volunteers of America in Schenectady, N.Y.
Mari was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Jack and Jill of America Inc., The Links Incorporated Albany (N.Y.) District, and an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Albany, where she sang in the choir for 17 years. While living in Fla., Mari was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church of Winter Park.
Mari is survived by her life partner of 26 years, James Hettie; daughters, Elizabeth Bennett, Christina Bennett Amato (Todd Amato), Melanie Bennett-sims, MD (Marcus C. Sims, MD); grandsons, Brandon Bennett Hodge (Dakota Lathers), Marcus James Sims, Myles Bennett Sims, Thomas Edward Amato; and great-grandchildren, Athena Hodge and Hayden Hodge. As an only child, Mari is also survived by her dear first cousins, Priscilla Armstead, Simon Boyd, James Boyd (Laurel), Faye Carter, and Sandra Preer (Ronald).
The family wishes to thank Fr. Stuart Shelby and Deacon Elizabeth Tucker of All Saints Church in Winter Park, Fla., for their prayers and support. We also wish to thank Dr. Ahmed Al-hazzouri and the staff at Florida Cancer Specialists in Clermont, as well as Dr. Dae Won Kim and the staff at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, for the care and treatment they provided.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Mari to the choir at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Albany or the American Cancer Society-pancreatic cancer research.
Funeral services will be held at All Saints Church, 338 East Lyman Ave., Winter Park, Fla. Mari will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont, N.Y. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Church in Albany, at a date to be determined.