Carol Marlene Greene Bennette

Carol Marlene Greene Bennette, 86, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Alamance Regional Medical Center. Carol was born on April 24, 1939 in Beckley, WV, to the late John Henry Greene and Emma Kathleen Ellis Greene. She was a devoted wife to Robert “Bob” Bruce Bennette for 61 years before his passing in November 2021.

Carol is survived by her two daughters: Darla Sprague (husband Jeff Sprague) of Kernersville, NC; and Marla Hurley (husband Glen Hurley) of Whitsett, NC; and three grandsons: Austin Sprague and Caleb Sprague of Kernersville, NC; and Wesley Hurly of Fayetteville, NC. She is also survived by her precious sister, Shirley Ulaki of Creamery, WV; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, and by two brothers: James Ellis Greene and Harold Blaine Greene.

Carol was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, WV, earning the honor of valedictorian. She attended Berea College in Berea, KY, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and also marrying Bob on graduation day. They settled in Indianapolis, IN and she went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education from Butler University. Upon moving to NC, she worked as a dedicated teacher and then as a Guidance Counselor with Guilford County School System, retiring after many years of service to her students. It was commonplace for her to be recognized by her former students with a hearty “Hey, Mrs. Bennette!!”

Carol and Bob enjoyed living in the Gibsonville community, and raising their girls there. They were both members of Apple’s Chapel Christian Church, and served in a variety of roles within the congregation. She was a woman of many talents: she and her sister, with the help from their children and reluctant husbands, built a house (yes, house) in WV. She loved shopping and hunting treasures to outfit the homes she built. She equally loved the beach, and enjoyed many trips over the years to the house in Shallotte Point, NC. Gibsonville may have been home base, but these other two places restored her soul.

An avid reader, she often swapped books with friends and family. She loved watching ballgames with Marla and Darla – March Madness was a special event every year, often staying up well-past bedtimes, and loved college football games in the fall. (Go WV Mountaineers!) She and Bob were also racing fans, and traveled to several racetracks in their RV. Her love of Tony Stewart was contagious. She was also active in the Motor Racing Outreach program, handing out devotions and Bibles or serving up refreshments. Carol also loved animals – she was a dedicated “Mom” to countless strays and rescuing others.

A memorial service will be held at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel on March 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations or memorials be made to any local animal shelter or rescue organization, local library, or breast cancer care program.

The family would also like to extend our sincerest and deepest appreciation to the staff at ARMC, especially Debi, Chris (ICU nurses) and Crystal (Palliative Care), Guilford County EMS, and the volunteers at Fire Station 28 for the care of our mother during this time.