Christopher Bennett

Dr. Christopher D. Bennett

Gulfport

Dr. Christopher Demond Bennett I "Chris", a native of Canton and resident of Gulfport was called home to be with his heavenly Father on November 12, 2014. Born on August 18, 1984, to Hosie Lee Taylor and Linda Carolyn Bennett at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS.

He was a strong, Godly man, a true believer in his Faith. He accepted Christ at an early age at St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Canton. He later joined New Jerusalem Church in Jackson, where he highly enjoyed praising and worshipping with his family. He instilled the love of God into his children.

Chris was an Alumni and Honor Student of Canton High School, class of 2002. During his time in high school, Chris was loved by everyone and voted "Mr. Canton High School 2002". Chris was also an avid lover of football and played the position of safety on the varsity football team of Canton High School. With an amazing personality and spirit, Chris continued to excel in his high school activities and carried that personality into college where he pledged the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, incorporated in 2003. He was given the name "Silent Blu Assasin" by his line brothers. While in college, Chris continued to advance. He took part in the opportunity to study abroad in India. In the spring of 2006, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Alcorn State University. Chris was destined for greatness and had a drive to achieve more, in the fall of 2006, Chris began his academic journey towards achieving his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry. As a Doctoral student at The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry, Chris was a very active student. He participated in numerous mission trips including a trip to Mexico where he was given the opportunity to provide dental services to underserved areas. He was a member of the Hispanic Student Dental Association, American Student Dental Association and held the position of Treasurer of the Student National Dental Association. In 2010 Chris accomplished what he set out to do, he graduated with his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry and became the "Doctor of the Family".

Chris had a special place in his heart for helping and working with children and giving back in any way that he could, so that it was only right that after graduation, Chris went to work at Kool Smiles, where he enjoyed a successful career as a dentist and was loved by patients, parents, staff and anyone who encountered his amazing spirit. On May 28, 2011, Chris married the love of his life Kinyatta (Magee) Bennett. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed countless moments of unconditional and pure love. Chris and Kinyatta passed on their strong belief in education and faith to their three children Laura-Jae', Briana, and Chris II. Continuing his tradition of excelling, Chris and his wife, Kinyatta became owners of Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in 2014. Professionally he was a member of the Mississippi Dental Society, Mississippi Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

With the difficulty of school behind him, Chris was once again able to focus on and enjoy his favorite past times such as going to football games, playing basketball, traveling and playing pool. To know Chris was to know exactly how much he loved entertaining, especially when it came to entertaining and spending time with his father and his brothers-in-law even if doing nothing more than talking and bonding. From grilling to cheering for his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys, Chris also had a competitive side that he would definitely introduce you to, especially if you were talking sports. Chris had an amazing spirit and infectious personality; you could not help but smile when you were around him.

He leaves to cherish his memories a very devoted and loving wife, Dr. Kinyatta Bennett; daughters Briana Bennett and Laura Jae Brooks; son Christopher Bennett II.; mother, Linda Bennett; father, Hosie Lee Taylor; sisters, Stephanie (Michael) Keyton & Demetria Chante (Martez) Washington; grandmother, Bertha Cain; father-in-law, Jim Magee; sister-in-laws, Alicia (Sam) Davis & Michelle Magee; brother-in-law, Jimmie (Johntal) Magee; aunts, Catherine (Henry) Bennett, Carrie Bennett, S.M Thomas and Evelyn Taylor; uncles, Clinton Cain, Jr. and Eugene (Carrie) Taylor, Sr.

Visitation in Gulfport will be Friday, November 21, 2014 from 5-8pm at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church- 4303 Tennessee Ave Gulfport, MS 39501. Visitation and funeral services in Jackson will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at New Jerusalem Church- 5708 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211. Visitation will be from 9-11 am and funeral services will follow at 12 pm.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com