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Sara Lyle Bennett
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Obituary for Sara Ann Lyle Bennett

After several years of triumph over some very challenging medical conditions, Sara Ann Lyle Bennett of Starkville, Mississippi went to be with our Lord on Friday, April 24, 2015.

The daughter of the late Dr. Clay Lyle and Annie Laurie Lyle (neé McKay), Sara Ann was a native of Starkville, born June 30, 1938. An active member of her 1956 Starkville High School graduating class, Sara Ann went on to achieve her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and education from Mississippi State College in May, 1960, graduating with honors. At MSU, she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Cardinal Key honor societies and Chi Omega sorority, serving as chapter president her senior year. She married her lifelong love George Bennett (whom she’d decided was the guy for her in the 9th grade), the week after, and the two have been devoted to each other in marriage for 55 years.

Sara Ann was known for her intelligence, determination, positive outlook, service to others and warm heart. She was a collector of beautiful things, but prized her collection of family and friends above all. She had an unusual talent for making others feel at ease, as well as realizing and encouraging their talents. She laughed easily and her warm sense of humor would easily brighten a room. She loved to keep her mind active through good conversation, books (especially mysteries) and puzzles

Throughout her life, Sara Ann has been deeply committed to her family, her church and her community. An active member of the first Presbyterian Church of Starkville for her entire life, Sara Ann was a circle member and Sunday school teacher, and her chicken spaghetti was always a potluck favorite. Sara Ann also was a life member of the Starkville Junior Auxiliary, and served a term as president in the 1970s. She was active in two local bridge clubs, the CCI Investment Club and the MSU Women’s Club. Along with dance partner George, she enjoyed attending Holidates and Cotillion Club parties and events for many years.

Always the epitome of Southern grace and hospitality, Sara Ann also was game for adventure. When she and George married, she joyfully set out the day after the ceremony with him to Santa Monica, California, where the two worked for the next two years in the defense industry. Sara Ann was a computer programmer at the dawn of the computer age. Returning to Starkville when George was offered a position on the faculty of the Aerospace Engineering department at MSU, Sara Ann embarked on a new challenge―raising a family.

In 1982, Sara Ann joined the MSU School of Veterinary Medicine in the school’s referral clinic, and over the next 16 years greatly enjoyed her role serving as an invaluable and much appreciated resource for clients and their beloved pets, as well as the many friendships she made among the school’s students, staff and faculty. Sara delighted clients with her extraordinary ability to recall pet’s names from memory. An avid lover of all animals, Sara befriended many cats in her life.

Sara Ann is survived by her husband George, daughter, Laurie Johnson (Chip) of Hernando, MS; son Robert (Lisa) and much-loved granddaughters Sara Harper, Laura McKay and Hanna Claire of Savannah, GA. She is also survived by cousins Bettye Hillen of Starkville, George McKay (Kirsten) of Laurel, MD, Bill Lyle of Hilltop Lakes, TX and Barbara (Doug) Tatum, Winnie (Ted) Kline and Dee Lyle, all of Fort Worth, TX.

Funeral services for Sara Ann will take place Saturday, May 2. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. in the chapel of the First Presbyterian Church of Starkville, with services at 11:30 in the church sanctuary, Reverend Martin Lifer officiating. Graveside services will follow at Oddfellows Cemetery.

The Bennett family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Sara Ann’s longtime medical team―Dr. Anthony of Starkville, and Drs. Callahan, Plavac, Holmes, Tartt, Chamblee and Phillips in Meridian’s Anderson and Regency Hospitals―for their dedication to always going “above and beyond” in Sara Ann’s care.

The family also would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staffs of the Oktibbeha County Hospital’s emergency department, Starkville Manor and Mississippi Home Care, and to Sara Ann’s friends and caregivers Becky Hill, Wilda Collier and Patricia Lawson for their tender care and support.

Please make any memorials to the Palmer Home for Children, French Camp Academy or your charity of choice.


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