Yvonne Smithhart Bennett, 85, of Indianola, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Methodist Germantown Hospital in Germantown, Tennessee.

Yvonne was born April 12, 1938, in Indianola, to Robert Lee and Evelyn Pickett Smithhart. She was raised in Indianola, where she attended school. Yvonne married John Robert Bennett, Jr., in 1957, and together they made their home in Indianola. She was an active member of First Baptist Church where she served as the church organist for many years.  She earned her master's degree from Delta State University. Yvonne was an English and Literature Instructor at Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead for over 40 years prior to her retirement. Family was everything to her. She enjoyed spending time with her family and attending family reunions. Yvonne taught her children at a very early age to love God. She had them in church every time the doors were open. She was a very loving person, especially where her family was concerned. Yvonne taught her daughters by example; she never spoke negatively of anyone and was always building others up and encouraging them. She was affectionately known as Boppie to her grandchildren, and they were the light of her life. Yvonne had wonderful friends that she enjoyed vacationing, going out to eat, and attending Gaither Concerts with. She was the ultimate prayer warrior. Yvonne and her friend Antionette Boswell talked every morning and prayed for those who were sick, children who had tests, and anyone that had a prayer request.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Robert Bennett, Jr.; and three brothers, Robert "Bobby" Smithhart, Richard Smithhart, and Leroy Smithhart.

Yvonne is survived by her two daughters, Kathy Lott (Terry) and Karen Ware (Bill) both of Indianola; two brothers, John Smithhart of Columbus and Tommy Smithhart of Inverness; one sister, Eddie Burrus of Indianola; five grandchildren, Brandon Lott, Lauren Maddox, Lacy Bruton, Lindsey Smith, and Tori Bush; and eight great grandchildren, Mallie Bruton, Anders Bruton, Helms Humbarger, Karlee Lott, James Maddox, Caroline Lott, Mary Meeks Smith, and Grace Maddox.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm, at First Baptist Church in Indianola. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 pm with Dr. Guy Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Indianola City Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 366, Indianola, MS 38751.