Mrs. Francis S. Bennett, 88, of Watertown, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on April 1, after spending the day surrounded by family singing her praises and holding her hand.
At the time of her passing, Fran resided at Summit Village, where she had been since 2019.
Fran was born January 6, 1938, in Clayton, the daughter of Harold and Margurite (Brown) Rivers. She attended Clayton School and graduated in 1956. A marriage to Charles Brown ended in divorce in 1960. She then married Edward Perkins who passed in 1989. On May 23, 2009, she finally married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, George Bennett. Unfortunately, George passed away six months later.
Throughout her life, she owned and operated the Little M in Clayton, Big M in LaFargeville, and Perkins Scrap Metal in Watertown.
In her early years she was a member of the Eastern Star.
Fran enjoyed crossword puzzles, bingo, arts and crafts, camping, cruising, and planning any sort of themed party she could think of, of her family and friends. Frans greatest joy was her family, no matter who she met she was sure to bring up her family to brag about. At any given time, you never knew who you would find at her table. Could be one of her kids moving back in with their own families, or a grandchild there with a house full of their friends, and she would have it no other way.
Although her life brought her many struggles, she remained on of the most caring generous people you could ever meet.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Larry (Melissa) Brown of Watertown, Tim (Marcy) Brown of Massena, Carol (Don) Deberger of Watertown, Ed Perkins Jr of Watertown, and Walter Perkins of Harrisville; four stepchildren, Georgia Parker of PA, Amy Wright of Fl, Christopher Bennett of Fl, and George Bennett Jr of Tn; Fifteen grandchildren; Twenty five great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren, many of these she had the joy of helping to raise; and one sister, Terry Burns.
She is predeceased by six brothers, James, Bill, Bob, John, Thomas, and Harold; six sisters, Marilyn Russell, Ruth Dunbar, Vernice Duford, Bessie Bennett, Anne Patterson, and Patti Rivers; one daughter in law, Danielle Perkins; a granddaughter, Janelle Perkins; and a grandson, Joshua Perkins.
Our Mom/Grandma will always be remembered for her endless love and generosity that went beyond materialistic things. She always gave freely of her time, energy, and wisdom. Her legacy of humor and perseverance will live on through all who knew and loved her.
Although our hearts are heavy and we will miss her beyond measure, there is peace knowing she was met at heaven’s gate with her family waiting with open arms. No doubt a party of some sort is being planned as we speak.
A burial at Brookside Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will happen at dates later to be announced.
Carol Jank
Your mom was next door to my Dad at Summit. She was a wonderful lady. Sending condolences.
Melinda Faust Countryman
My deepest condolences to the family.