Barbara Jean Rice Bennett, of Stillwater Oklahoma, former resident of Petersburg Virginia gained her wings Monday, December 23, 2024. A memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Barbara was born to Robert and Clara Mae (Hill) Rice on April 13, 1938 and baptized at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. She graduated from Peabody High School while participating in various activities and clubs with basketball being her favorite as she competed scoring 30 points against Sussex. Sports was a household name in her home as long as grades were good. She worked at Fort Lee Officers club during which time she met and married her future husband while on a blind date. They were married 48 years while raising 5 boys before settling in Stillwater. She enjoyed sewing, reading, fishing, volunteering and sharing her photos which spanned her lifetime.

Barbara is preceded in death by both parents, her late husband, William R Bennett Sr; son Robert Dwayne Bennett Sr.; grandsons, Robert Dwayne Bennett II and Jevon William Bennett; brothers Robert Rice Jr., Joseph Hill Sr. and her sister Brenda Traynham.

Barbara leaves to cherish four sons, Harold, William Jr., Jeffrey and VonRee Bennett; grandchildren Harah, Kyle, Bria, William III, Amanda, and Izaiah; great grandchildren, Octaveous, Cheveyo, A'mya, Dion, Donte, Davion, Makaila, Shaniya; many nieces and nephews, a devoted aunt Ethel, and her sister-in-law, Martha Bennett; as well as many other family members, and a host of friends, all whom she loved dearly.

"My last wish is to remember that I love my sons, grandkids and great grandkids. Love you guys take care of yourself and family, do the right thing. Keep God in your lives respectively."