Carolyn R. Bennett

Carolyn R. Bennett, 80, of Beaumont, died Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. She was born on February 3, 1945, to Erma Mitchell and Benjamin Clyne Risher, in Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Carolyn was born and raised in Mississippi, the beloved only child of her parents. From a young age, she carried a deep love for her home state, where she shined both socially and academically, earning the title of prom queen and excelling in her studies to become the Valedictorian of her graduating class.

Her strong spirit and ambition led her to Beaumont, Texas, where she moved to live with her aunt and uncle and pursue a degree in education at Lamar University. She graduated proudly in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in education, a stepping stone into a life defined by nurturing and service.

It was in Beaumont where she met the love of her life, Archie. The two married in August of 1971 and built a warm, faith-centered home together. Carolyn began her career as a teacher in the Beaumont Independent School District, where she poured her heart into every classroom until the birth of her son, Chris, in 1974. Four years later, they welcomed their daughter, Shannon, in 1978.

After her children began school, Carolyn found her calling once again in working with young lives. She joined the team at First Baptist Church, where she served for many years as assistant director and director of the daycare program. Later, she became the friendly face at the front desk as the church’s receptionist, managing office tasks and phone calls with grace until her retirement in 2008.

Carolyn’s life revolved around her family, church, and community. She never missed a single band performance, sports game, or school event. She was a constant, loving presence in her children’s lives, and later found even greater joy in her role as a MiMi to Julia, Blaine, Collin, Caden and Benjamin.

Carolyn played an active role in all their lives, assisting with daily routines in Beaumont and frequently traveling to San Antonio to share in their special moments.

Carolyn will be remembered for her quiet strength, her unwavering love, and her lifelong dedication to the people she cared for. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every child she taught, and every moment she was there with a warm smile and open heart.

She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her son, Christopher Scott Bennett and his wife, Jennifer, of San Antonio; daughter, Shannon Elizabeth Kitchen and her husband, Nathanael, of Beaumont; and grandchildren, Blaine Bennett and Caden Bennett, both of San Antonio, Julia Kitchen of Denton, and Collin Kitchen and Benjamin Kitchen, both of Beaumont.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Archie Henry Bennett.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beaumont’s First Baptist Church Building Fund, 3739 North Major Drive Beaumont, Texas 77713.

A gathering of Mrs. Bennett’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at Beaumont’s First Baptist Church, 3739 North Major Drive, Beaumont, with her graveside service following at 3:00 p.m., at Yellowpine Cemetery, Highway 87, Yellowpine.