Mr. Izeal Bennett

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Izeal Bennett peacefully passed from this life to his home eternal in the heavens on Sunday, October 15, 2023, surrounded by his family. Izeal was a dedicated servant of God and a pillar of strength within the community who dedicated his life to spreading a message of faith, hope, and love. He expressed the assurance that “I know God and God knows me”. He lived abundantly and is now free from the limitations of this world and encountering Jesus face-to-face. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Izeal was born on November 26, 1935, in Amite County, Mississippi to Hiram and Marcella Butler Bennett. Izeal Bennett lived in a home with thirteen siblings, his mother, and his father. It is through the gentle wisdom and firm faith of his loving parents that Izeal and his siblings learned about the Lord and how to live a life that reflected His teachings. This legacy of faith would shape his life and ensure that his path would be firmly rooted in faith. Psalms 78:72 “So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.” He graduated from Pike County Agricultural High School and attended Alcorn State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education and Science. Later, he earned his Master of Arts Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Administration. He began his teaching career in 1961 at Booker T. Washington School (now North Pike Middle School) in North Pike County. Over his 37-year tenure with the North Pike School District, he served as a teacher and coach. He was more than just an educator; he was a mentor, a guide, and a source of unwavering support for countless students. His dedication to nurturing young minds left an indelible mark on the lives of his students, while instilling in them a love for learning and the values of integrity, compassion, and perseverance. Genesis 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Izeal was a person who understood that love was a precious gift from God. His journey was profoundly enriched when he met and married his soulmate, Barbara Cook Bennett. They shared life, love, and laughter for over 57 years. To this union were born two beautiful children, Michelle and Maurice. With faith as its foundation, Izeal and Barbara fulfilled their vows and honored and cherished each other in good, bad, health, and sickness until death departed them. Their marriage will forever serve as a reminder of the enduring power of unity, love, and the beauty of a life well-lived together. Psalms 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” After graduation from Alcorn University, Izeal moved back to McComb, Mississippi where he along with Robert ‘Bob’ Moses worked together on voter registration leading to Izeal becoming one of the first blacks to register to vote in Pike County during the Civil Rights Movement. He was appointed to several city boards and commissions. In recognition of the contributions and enduring legacy of Deacon Bennett, in November 2022, the City of McComb renamed Universal Street to Izeal Bennett Street. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”” Izeal accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He was baptized at an early age at St. Mary Free Will Baptist Church where he served as a deacon until his passing. Deacon Bennett faithfully attended to the needs of the congregation and was always ready to offer guidance and support to those in search of spiritual solace. His unwavering commitment to the church was an inspiration to all who knew him. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, compassion, and warm smile. His selflessness and dedication to his faith extended beyond the church walls, and he was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. Matthew 5:7 – 8 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Izeal was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Marcella Bennett; his grandson, Maurice Trevell Bennett, Jr.; 5 brothers, Hiram Bennett Jr., George Bennett, Euel Bennett, Charles Bennett, and Leonard Bennett; and 2 sisters, Trudie Johnson and Mamie Tolefree. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving wife, Barbara Cook Bennett; a daughter, Cosandra Michelle (Michael) Campbell; a son, Maurice Trevell (Monika) Bennett; four grandchildren, Nicholas (Alexis) Campbell, Nathan (Tyler) Campbell, Jillian Campbell, and Londyn Bennett; and three great-grandchildren, Gianna, Zane, and Micah. He also leaves 1 brother, J.H. Bennett of Southaven, MS and 5 sisters, Martha Shaw, Frances Hogan both of McComb, MS; Myrtis Mayfield of Kenosha, WI; and Ira Trawick and Rose (Christopher) McIver of Oakland, CA. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and countless other friends and loved ones. Psalms 30:11-12 “You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy. So I will not be silent; I will sing praise to you. LORD, you are my God; I will give you thanks forever.” Deacon Izeal Bennett will be remembered as a great man not only for his remarkable achievements, but for the lasting impact he had on our lives and the world around us. His legacy is etched into the hearts and minds of those he touched, whether through his kind demeanor, wise counsel, infectious smile, or that “Sam Cooke” smooth voice. His memory will live on through the stories we share, the lessons we've learned, and the values we continue to uphold. He is a beacon of light in our collective consciousness and a reminder of the extraordinary potential within each of us. During his lifetime, he reminded us all that “God is with us.” While he may no longer be with us physically, his legacy of faith endures. A visitation for Mr. Bennett will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Craft Dillon Funeral Home. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 10:00am - 11:00am, at Pleasant Springs MBC, with Funeral Services to follow at 11:00am. Pastor James Banks will officiate the funeral services with interment to follow in Pike Memorial Garden in McComb, MS. Please share condolences online at www.craftfuneralhome.org

Mr. Izeal Bennett

November 26, 1935 - October 15, 2023