Joan Portier Bennett

Joan Portier Bennett, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026. The family will receive friends from 2:00–5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Reflection Chapel. A service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:00 am. Joan was born on May 5, 1934, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late William Walter and Nancy Whitley Portier. She met her husband, William “Bill” Bennett, through her sister while he was the basketball coach at Dodge County High School. Joan and Bill were true sweethearts. Married for 68 years- they built a life together while living in various parts of Georgia before eventually settling in Smyrna, where they made their home for over 60 years. After Bill’s passing in 2021, Joan relocated back to the Ocilla area to be with her family. Joan worked in the public school system for many years, even working as Bill’s secretary at one time. After retiring from the school system, she continued working for many years at a CPA firm. She was an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Smyrna, where she served on the Social Committee for many years. She was a current member of Ocilla Baptist Church. Joan will always be remembered as the “Queen of Christmas.” Every holiday season, her home was filled with the spirit of Christmas. Multiple Christmas trees, each with its own theme, were displayed throughout the house, along with her Charles Dickens Christmas Villages. She even had a “Christmas Room” where some of her favorite decorations were displayed year-round. Joan’s home reflected her sweet and welcoming spirit—always inviting and a place where family and friends could gather. She loved preparing meals for others. She was the family chef, always cooking and baking- many of her recipes are family favorites and staples in their homes. She also loved crafting and creating things for family and friends. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, Mamaw/Honey, sister, and friend who leaves behind a legacy of genuine love and little traditions she created that will always be remembered. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Wanda Bennett; daughter, Beth Crumbley; five grandchildren, Dee (Lindsey) Bennett, Andy (Kacie) Bennett, Terry (Cristina) Crumbley, Brett (Jen) Crumbley, and Callie (Clae) Wynn; ten great-grandchildren, William, Elle, Allie, Sofia, Carlisle, Whitley, Michael, Bennett, Kennedy, and Maren; and one sister, Jeannie Ellis (Charlie Brady). In addition to her parents and her husband, Joan was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Mike Crumbley, as well as six brothers and two sisters. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Paulk Family to help with McCoy's medical expenses. Checks can be made out to Clint or Maebry Paulk and mailed to 201 E. Boulevard, Ocilla, GA 31774.

Joan Portier Bennett

May 5, 1934 - March 6, 2026