Mary Willis Bennett

Mary Willis Bennett, 97, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 21, 2022.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 27, 2002, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 95 Hasell St. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Friday evening at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy.

Mary was born in Charleston on July 15, 1925, the daughter of Mary Iona McAlister and Archie D. Willis, Sr. Mimi, as she was known by family attended Ashley Hall and was a graduate of St. Genevieve­-of-the-Pines School in Asheville, North Carolina. Mary attended the College of Charleston and gained a high status with the Chi Omega Sorority. She married the love of her life, Charles E. Bennett, Sr. in 1947.

After raising five children she was employed by C & S bank in Charleston and Columbia for many years. Mary was a certified Arthur Murray Dance instructor and taught Cotillion for middle school children for many years at Hobcaw Yacht Club. She was a founding board member of the Mt. Pleasant Cotillion and  the Hobcaw Yacht Club. Mary was also on the board of directors of the Ladies Benevolent Society and a life member of St. Mary's Altar Society. While in Columbia, Gov. Jim Edwards honored her with a request to be his social secretary. Mary was an avid bridge player and fabulous cook.

She had a special devotion to St. Anthony, the patron saint who is the finder of lost articles. Mary named her youngest son, Tony, in his honor for finding her a second son after three girls. The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers, Patricia Mitchell, Supreamer Ellington, Alicia Ravenel, Italy Gaines, Cecelia Jenkins and especially Ethel Keith.

Mary is survived by her children, Charles E. Bennett, Jr. (Fran), Linda W. Jones (Bobby), Louise B. Anderson (Bobby) and Catherine B. Elrod as well as 13 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, her son, W. Anthony Bennett, and her brother, Archie D. Willis, Jr.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in her honor to St. Mary's Restoration Fund, 89 Hasell St. Charleston, SC 29401.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.