Faye Bennett Grinstead

Faye Bennett Grinstead, age 64, of Hawkinsville, died Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the home of her daughter. Mrs. Grinstead was born Dec. 13, 1943 to Chester Lee Bennett and Florence Owen Bennett and lived all her life in Pulaski County.On Oct. 22, 2005, Mrs. Grinstead's youngest daughter, Tara Faye Grinstead, age 30 at that time and residing and teaching high school history in Ocilla, disappeared without a trace and has since remained missing. No greater grief could a mother ever have to endure. Faye carried herself throughout this personal tragedy with quiet grace and dignity, just as she had lived her life.Visitation was held from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday in the social hall of the First Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church in Hawkinsville. Dr. Gary L. Abbott of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and the Rev. Ricky Allen of First Baptist Church in Statesboro will officiate.Church organist Cheryl Howard will provide the prelude, as well accompany sisters, Vickie Greene and Jan McGuire, who will sing a duet. The Rev. Freddie Hogg of First Baptist Church in Pinehurst also will sing during the service.Other very special music will be played. "Send a Dream," written by and sang by Mrs. Grinstead's son-in-law, Dr. Larry Gattis, about the loss of her daughter, will be played. This song was recorded with vocalist Ginger Beecher and accompanied on guitar by Faye's only grandchild, Gabe. Perhaps the most touching of all will be a recording of Tara Grinstead singing "There's a Place for Us," that she performed as she competed in a beauty pageant back in 1998. Mrs. Grinstead was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chester L. Bennett, one sister, Murielda B. Wynne and two brothers, Lawrence L. Bennett and Albert C. Bennett, all of Hawkinsville. She was also preceded by a brother and sister-in-law, T. Kent Bennett and Kathryne D. Bennett, both of Butler.She leaves to cherish wonderful memories one daughter, Anita Grinstead Gattis, one son-in-law, Dr. Larry D. Gattis, and one grandson, the absolute light of her life, Gabriel David Gattis, all of Hawkinsville. Survivors also include two brothers, Rouel W. Bennett (Patsy) of Hawkinsville and Russell Bennett (Claudia Mae) of Griffin, and one sister, Elousie Ruble (Don), of Dalton. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Mae H. Bennett and Lucille C. Bennett, both of Hawkinsville and one brother-in-law, Merritt Wynne, of Hawkinsville. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also remain.She will be greatly missed by her closest, dearest and wonderful friend Barbara C. Woodard, of Hawkinsville who had been the steadfast source of strength and inspiration through all her life. A special cousin, Betty Jo Conner, also of Hawkinsville will remain to cherish sweet memories.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas EquuSearch, P.O. Box 395, Dickinson, Texas 77539, or by calling their office at 281-309-9500. Tim Miller, director and founder, has been diligently searching for Faye's missing daughter, Tara, since November 2005, and they continue to do so now. Mrs Grinstead put much hope, faith and confidence in this organization in finding her precious Tara. Fischer Funeral Home in Cochran is in charge of all arrangements.