Vivian B. Bennett

Vivian Belle Edds Bennett, a devoted, outstanding and trusted educator who resided in Gatesville, Texas for over 60 years, passed away February 24, 2011. Her parents, Mary Eunice Tyson and John Cleveland Edds established the first school for black students in Bell County, instilling in her a life-long commitment toward education for all. Vivian taught 7th grade science and language arts in Gatesville Independent School District for 30 of her 34 year teaching career. She had a gift for challenging each student to reach their fullest potential. Raised on a black-land farm in Heidenheimer Texas, Vivian graduated from Temple High School at age 16 in 1932. She attended Arlington State University as a freshman, Texas A&M University in the summer and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Texas Woman’s University in 1936. She returned to the classroom in the early 1960’s, receiving her Masters of Education from Baylor University. Her career as a teacher began in Strawn, Texas where she met Allen Bennett. They were married in June 1940. Vivian worked in civil service throughout Allen’s tour of duty during World War II. In 1948, Allen, Vivian and son Rob moved to Gatesville. As her children were growing up, Vivian was active in Girls Auxiliary, Vacation Bible School and teaching children’s Sunday school classes at First Baptist Church. She was a leader in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She volunteered and served in numerous organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, the Morris Federation and WMU. She enjoyed golf, women’s and couple’s bridge and various activities at the Gatesville Country Club. In 1961, when her children were in school, Vivian began the career that would become her life-long devotion. For thirty years, she taught in the Gatesville public school system and after retiring, she continued to tutor students, whether they were in kindergarten, college or the workforce. Because of her love of music, Vivian encouraged her four children to play the piano, participate in choirs and bands, and enjoy musical and theatrical performances. She was a member of the First Baptist Church sanctuary choir for more than 60 years. Vivian joined the church bell choir at its founding and loved playing the bells at performances throughout the United States. At 90, for the first time, she taught piano lessons to two special students. Vivian spent her last three years at the Oaks and the Welcome Room enjoying old and new friends, playing dominoes and bingo, exercising and participating in special programs presented by local churches and clubs. She was always appreciative and thankful for the devoted care of the loving staff. Vivian leaves a legacy of learning and teaching, a love of family and friends and a sincere devotion to God. Vivian was the third of six children, all who preceded her in death except her sister Edith Edds Thompson of Houston. She was married for 47 years to Allen Robert Bennett who passed away in 1987. Also preceded in death were two beautiful granddaughters, Amanda Clare Bennett and Kim Neal Harlow. Vivian is survived by four children: Rob, Donna, Barbara and Elizabeth; one daughter-in-law, Mary Emma Bennett, two sons-in-law, Charles Neal and Marks Hinton; three grandchildren, Allen Bennett and wife Melony, Brent Neal, Jennifer Boone and husband Alan; one grandson-in-law, Bryan Harlow. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Madison Bennett, Madeline Harlow, Ashley and Tristan Neal, Grayson and Ethan Boone. Memorials may be made to the Vivian and Allen Bennett Excellence in Teaching Fund, in care of Scott’s Funeral Home, PO Box 82, Gatesville TX 76528. Make payable to Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Acct #172994 (in memo field), FBO Vivian and Allen Bennett Excellence in Teaching Award Funeral services will be at 2:30 PM, Sunday, February 27 at the First Baptist Church, Gatesville, Texas. Graveside services will be at 4:30 PM, Sunday at Little Flock Cemetery, Little Flock Road off Highway 53, Temple, Texas.