Eva Lucille Shankle Bennett was born on Dec. 24, 1924, to the late Carrie Dee Hutson and Arey Thomas Shankle, Sr. in Cheraw, South Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her first love, Durwood William Medlin Jr., who passed away in 1981, and her second love, Dan Bennett.
She was the eldest and protector of four siblings Lois Taylor, Jean Campbell, Arey Shankle and Winfred Shankle, all of whom preceded her in death, except for her surviving brother, Winfred Shankle and sister-in-law, Margaret Shankle.
She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Lynn Maner. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Bishop Marvin Taylor Jr. (Wanda), Lois Ann Heaton, Dianne Brigman (Ronald), Mary Jacobs, Peggy Smith (Henry), Chris Taylor, Paula Arrington (Philip), Lisa Queen Wilson, Tommy Shankle, Randy Shankle (Patricia), Judy Ann Shankle, Donna Chavis, and Carrie Dee Garner, Ray Shankle, Andy Shankle, and Margaret Elizabeth “Maggie” Shankle. Surviving are also numerous great-nieces and -nephews. She was a nurturer and mother to each of us.
Lucille loved dancing, music, reading, fishing from the pier, specialty chocolates, and her family. She filled a room with laughter and possessed an unconquerable positive attitude. She was known for giving the most unique gifts that you never knew you needed, but then treasured forever! Much the same as her presence in the lives of those she loved and who loved her, a unique, treasured gift.
Lucille was a vibrant 99-year-old and lived in her home independently through the date she passed peacefully. She went to dance the streets of heaven (probably the Charleston dance specifically) on June 8, 2024.
The visitation will be held at Harrington Funeral Home in Hamlet on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a celebration of life in the chapel led by Bishop Marvin Taylor Jr. at noon. The graveside service will be held at Richmond County Memorial Park immediately following the chapel service.
As Lucille prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same each day. She was also deeply rooted in her faith and would appreciate any donations be made to Outreach for Jesus, 440 Battley Dairy Road, Hamlet, NC 28345, in lieu of flowers.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Bennett family.
Online condolences may be made online at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
