Grady Jacqueline "Jackie" Bennett

Grady Jacqueline “Jackie” Bennett, formerly of Rochelle, Illinois, passed gently from this life to eternity and the promise of a home prepared for the faithful believers, on October 26, 2026, in Seneca, SC. She was 87 years old.

Jackie was born on March 10, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Wayne and Gladys Driver Owen. Jackie met her husband, Bob, in Temple Terrace, Florida, at Florida Christian College. They were married on August 29, 1960, and enjoyed 63 years together. She was the loving mother of two daughters, Kristi Scott (Shane) and Kelli Gilchrest (Ryan) and the very proud and delighted Gigi to her granddaughter, Darby Gilchrest.

Jackie received an Associate in Arts degree from Florida Christian College in Temple Terrace. After graduation, she worked at the college as a secretary in administration. This would be the beginning of several higher education-based secretarial jobs for Jackie, from Florida College, to the University of South Florida, to the University of Missouri. Once her daughters were in school, she went back into the educational system as the secretary for the Vice President of Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois. She would retire from there after 26 years of service.

Jackie was a faithful member of the church of Christ from an early age. During her 53 years in Rochelle she taught Bible classes, and served and encouraged others, while also supporting Bob when he was an elder. After moving to Easley, South Carolina, in 2021 to be close to family, she was a member of Taylors church of Christ.

Jackie enjoyed time with family and friends, especially when that time included travel. She was a devoted and supportive mother and wife, and loved spending time with her granddaughter. Over the years, she and the family enjoyed many trips together around the U.S. as well as to several other countries, and on several cruises.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Gladys Driver Owen; her husband, Bob, in 2023, her daughter, Kristi Scott, in 2018, and her son in law, Shane Scott, in 2024. She is survived by daughter Kelli Gilchrest; granddaughter, Darby Gilchrest; son-in-law, Ryan Gilchrest; brother, John Owen (Sue); and sister, Jane Brubaker (Bru).

The family will host a memorial service on November 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Taylors Church of Christ in Taylors, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Foothills Cottingham House, 390 Keowee School Rd, Seneca, SC 29672; Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011; The ALS Association, 1919 University Ave W. Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104; or Florida College Advancement, 119 N. Glen Arven Ave, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 .

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.