Sylvia Jean Jenkins Jones Bennett
Sylvia Jean Jenkins Jones Bennett, 87, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025.
Born July 11, 1937, in Chattanooga to William C. Jenkins and Jessie L. Flippo Jenkins, Sylvia spent most of her life in Chattanooga before relocating to Gainesville, Ga., four years ago to live with family.
In addition to her parents, Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Franklin C. Bennett; sisters Pat Meffert and Nancy Jenkins; and many other dear family members and friends.
She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Joe Jones (Denise) and Jimmy Jones (Susan); sisters-in-law Florence Snyder (Donnie), Ilene Rapp, and Donna Bennett; and, her lifelong friend Barbara Blackwell. Sylvia was a proud grandmother to Joseph Jones, Jeramy Jones, Jasidy Jones, Jennifer Whetstone, Misti Cantrell, Kristi Lee, Jessica and Cecil Martin, and Destiny Gilstrap, as well as a great-grandmother to nineteen and a great-great-grandmother to seven.
One of Sylvia’s greatest joys in life was being part of a five-generation family and watching four generations flourish around her. She was fiercely devoted to her family, offering encouragement and correction in the same breath, always from a place of love. Her sense of humor and wisdom made her the heart of her family.
Sylvia enjoyed a long career as a store manager and trainer with Eckerd Drugs, where she was known for her leadership and dedication. An animal lover through and through, she volunteered with the Hamilton County Animal Shelter and was a champion for every dog that crossed her path—many of whom found their forever home with her.
She was a woman with strong opinions—especially about cold hands—and she never did figure out which side of the eggs to pepper.
A Celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest privately in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Inspire Hospice and Palliative Care of Gainesville, GA, whose compassionate support was invaluable during Sylvia’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Inspire Hospice and Palliative Care, 906 Interstate Ridge Dr., Suite A2, Gainesville, Ga. 30501.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Betty at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com
Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, has been entrusted with Sylvia’s arrangements.