Mrs. Mary Jewell Bennett was born on June 27, 1937, in Milledgeville, GA to the parentage of the late Deacon Booker T. Johnson, Sr. and Iona Speights Johnson.

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Jewell had well fought the battle, and the victory had been won. Jewell, as she was affectionately called, was loved and admired by all who knew her. Her sweet Godly spirit she shared, beautiful smile and kind words always left an everlasting impression.

Mary Jewell graduated from Boddie Jr. High School in 1955. After graduation, she moved to Akron, Ohio. She worked and retired from St. Thomas Hospital. Later in life, she met and married Pastor Marvin Bennett, Sr. and they moved to Clinton, SC, where she stayed the remainder of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, Collette Clay; grandson, Jordan Nelson; two brothers and three sisters.

Mary Jewell was a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and woman of God.

She leaves fond memories with her devoted sons, James Nelson, Jr. of Clinton, SC and Duane Nelson of Tennessee; nine grandchildren, Michael Nelson, Sr., Winnise Alexander, Michelle McCary, Robert Clay, Jr., Marcus Nelson, Malcolm Nelson, Brittney Avent, Kayland Nelson, and Duane Bowen; twenty-two great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; a devoted sister, Shirley Johnson (Willie) Syles; one sister-in-law, Marvie Johnson; a devoted niece, Carolyn Foreman; dear friends, Barbara Clay and Winnise Alexander; devoted son-in-law, Robert Clay, Sr.; loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.