Jane S. Bennett

Beverly “Jane” Sharpe Bennett, of Swansea, passed away at home surrounded by her family on September 15, 2022, at age 86. Jane came into this world on May 2, 1936, in Gilbert, South Carolina, the youngest of six girls and one boy born to the late Ernest Gary Sharpe and Minnie Viola (Steele) Sharpe. With a record of perfect attendance, she graduated from Gilbert High School as valedictorian, then went on to work full-time for two years in Columbia for Swift and Company before spending the next 49 years as an office administrator for the March of Dimes. After passing on many opportunities to retire sooner, her daily commute from Swansea to Columbia came to an end at age 72. When asked what made her decide to finally retire, she explained, “I vowed to myself that I’d never work anywhere for 50 years!”

Before the onset of dementia in 2010, Jane was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Swansea, serving numerous times on the church council and attending church services anytime the doors were open. Having married her husband, Doug, within just ten months of their meeting, she quickly became his biggest fan and was his most loyal supporter throughout his 36-year tenure as the head coach of Swansea High School’s football team, never missing a single game that he coached. In addition, she was an avid sports fan and loved to watch Carolina football and baseball games, as well as root for her favorite professional golfers and tennis players. She never missed any of the major tournaments on tv, and, in fact, when she retired, her daughters presented her with a trip to the U.S. Open in New York, as being able to attend the men’s finals was at the top of her bucket list. Her love and enthusiasm of sports also extended to her grandchildren whom she adored; she was always in attendance at their events to support them and cheer them on. Jane was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She cherished time with her family and helped instill many family traditions, especially those centered around different holidays. She was an excellent cook and will always be remembered for the delicious and elaborate feasts she prepared at Thanksgiving and Christmas!

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday September 25, 2022 , at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 295 West Lady Street, Swansea, South Carolina , with Rev. Dr. Tony Metze officiating. The family will receive friends starting at 1:45 PM in the church sanctuary before the service. Burial will follow in Melrose Memorial Gardens in Swansea.

Jane leaves behind her husband, Douglas McDowell Bennett of 64 years; her three daughters:Susan Bennett Inman (James) of Lexington, SC; Beverly Bennett Olson (Bruce) of Lexington, SC; and Jane Ann Bennett Meredith (Chad) of Swansea, SC; her ten grandchildren: Skylar Inman Apple (Scott) of Bella Vista, AR; Jamie Inman of Tampa, FL; Douglas Inman (Megan) of Lexington, SC; Aram Olson of Columbia, SC; Jacob Olson of Charlotte, NC; David Olson (Kristina) of Charlotte, NC ; Alyssa Olson Eckstrom (Brian) of Lexington, SC; Haley Meredith Dickey (Grant) of Swansea, SC; Hannah Meredith of Swansea, SC; Jane Ashley Meredith of Swansea, SC; and 10 great-grandchildren:William, Lillian, and Luke Apple; Avery, Kaylen, Micah, and Alex Inman; Leo Olson; Isaiah Meredith; and Baylor Dickey. Jane was predeceased by her brother, Landis Sharpe, and her five sisters, Betty Boyer, Sarah Hilleary, Jacqueline Zemp, Tommie Spence, and Ernestine Poe.

The family would like to thank all Mrs. Jane’s wonderful caregivers these past 6 years. A special thank you goes out to Angela Hicks and Anna Brown! Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.