Obituary of Charlotte McCullough Bennett

AIKEN, SC— On Tuesday, July 2, Charlotte McCullough Bennett died peacefully at her residence at Trinity on Laurens. She was born to Dorothy E. and Stanley L. McCullough on August 27, 1935 in Saegertown, Pa. Charlotte received her BA in education from Thiel College, where she shortened her name to Char. She met her husband Jim while singing in the Thiel College Choir. They both had a passion for music, and Char was an alto soloist. 

At the end of 1956, Char and Jim got engaged and announced to their families that their post-graduation plans had changed: instead of their respective grad school plans (Char to business school and Jim to medical school) they would be moving to Minneapolis, Minn., for Jim to attend seminary. Char and Jim married on August 17, 1957. While in Minnesota, Char taught high school before the couple moved to Murraysville, Pa. There, Char became a loving mother of three children: Christopher, Michele, and Cynthia. She found time to sing in the choir and care for others as well as instill values in each of her children. She was also a steadfast support for her husband, even typing up his doctoral dissertation on carbon paper, as three copies were required.

In 1987, with their children grown, Char and Jim moved to Austin, Texas, where Jim became pastor at St Martin’s Lutheran Church. In Austin, Char worked as the administrative assistant to the vice president and academic dean of St. Edwards University before retiring in 2002. In 2007, Char and Jim moved to Aiken, S.C., where they were active members at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Char was passionate about her work with Stephen Ministries to provide high-quality Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. She served as both as a practitioner and instructor of others. Music was always a part of Char’s life, from enjoying the symphony to singing in church choirs to going to see Handel’s Messiah every Advent. She also enjoyed traveling, visits with family, and other activities like reading and cross stitch.

Char is survived by James, her husband of almost 62 years; children Chris Bennett (Jeri) of Charlotte, N.C.; Shelley Stamm (Bill) of Poolesville, Md.; and Cindy Bennett (Dan) of Crownsville, Md.; and seven loving grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Trinity on Laurens and the staff of Regency Hospice, who provided love and care. Blessings to all who visited and prayed.

The service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 8 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aiken, S.C., and will be followed by a short reception. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), Trinity on Laurens, or the charity of your choice.                              

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the Bennett family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com