Noonie Bennett

Noonie Bennett was born September 9, 1939, in Mt. Carmel, and went to her Heavenly home on Saturday, August 8, 2026. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Bob Bennett; her parents, Drew and Julia Carpenter; her brother, J.W. Carpenter; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Gladys and Herman McAninch, Jean and George Ledbetter, and Frances and Bill Whitmore; and her nephew, Kade Jennings.

Noonie was born and raised in Mt. Carmel and was a lifelong Christian and faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. Noonie and Bob shared a love for Southern Gospel music and enjoyed traveling to different singings together.

Noonie was a hard worker and a woman of many talents. She worked at Kingsport Press and TRW Automotive, helped her sister Jean run Cody Discount, and even had a food truck long before they were popular. Cooking was one of her greatest passions. She loved trying new recipes, cooking for her family, and was the author of her own cookbook. She also catered countless weddings and events, sharing her love of cooking with many others.

Noonie had great taste and an unforgettable sense of style. She loved anything shiny and glittery, especially jewelry, and was always dressed to the nines. She loved laying out in the sunshine and getting a good tan. She and her sisters, Frances and Patsy, also loved going to garage sales together, always looking for a good bargain or hidden treasure.

Most of all, Noonie loved her family with her whole heart. She was fiercely protective, generous, and always looking out for the people she loved. She leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Jerry Byerley; nephews Scott (Suzanne) Byerley, Brent (Aimee) Whitmore, and Stoney (Tammy) McAninch; nieces Jalana (Todd) Jennings and Julia (Mike) Wilson; and her beloved great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she lovingly called her “Honeybunnies”: Kinsley (Wihan) Botha, Courtney (Hunter) Meade, Celeste (Kevin) Henson and their sons Stedson and Reid, Drew Byerley (fiancée Blaire Barrett), Nicole Byerley, Haylee (Caleb) Deal and their children Everett and Delaney, Piper Whitmore, Jordyn (Brandon) Cole and their daughter Aspen, Logan Roberts, Madison (Zeke) Larkins, and Bryson.

Noonie leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, recipes, stories, and love. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is now home with the Lord and reunited with Bob. Her faith, strength and love for her family will live on in all who knew her.

A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 2pm at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carmel, TN. Scott Byerley and Brent Whitmore will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Stoney McAninch, Todd Jennings, Mike Wilson, Drew Byerley, Kevin Henson, and Hunter Meade. Honorary pallbearers will be Wihan Botha.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 311 Cypress St., Mt. Carmel, TN 37645.