Matthew Christopher Bennett

Matthew Christopher Bennett, 18, of Marietta passed away Sunday, February 3, 2013.

A Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 p.m. Monday at Piedmont Church in Marietta with Rev. Wayne Simpson officiating. Interment will be in Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery.

Matthew Christopher Bennett was born on April 21, 1994 in Bronx, New York. He was the 2nd beautiful blessing given to the union of Donovan & Angela Bennett.

At the early age of 4, Matthew made his mark on the soccer field. His prowess as an incredible soccer player continued as he played through high school; he initially played at the YMCA, and continued at Sprayberry High School and the North Atlanta Soccer Association (NASA).

Matthew's passions were highly developed by the beginning of high school. He had the strong propensity for fellowship, soccer, food and fun. After accepting Christ as his personal savior at the age of 8, Matthew lived to fellowship each day with family and friends. He was known for his brilliant smile, quirky laugh, being goofy, and always helpful to neighbors & friends.

As he visited neighbors, classmates' homes, and attended school he was known for being mannerly to adults and supportive of friends. Matthew enjoyed life as an adventure. Even as he served as a volunteer at Pet Smart, he provided great care to the animals and excellent customer service. His customer service was exceptional, so much so, he even convinced himself and his parents to adopt his beloved dog Caesar.

Matthew was so social, that his father converted the family garage to an infamous "Man Cave" known for hosting video game marathons and movies marathons complete with ridiculous amounts of junk food. As Matthew would host upwards to 15 friends at a time, neighbors affectionately called him the "king of the cul-de-sac).

He was an avid fitness buff. LA Fitness opened daily for Matthew. Teachers, community leaders, friends, knew Matthew for his serious commitment to being "buff." Matthew had special relationships with each of his family members and his friends. He enjoyed working with his father, teasing his mother, supporting & encouraging his older brother, and annoying his younger sister.

Matthew was very selective about his food. He enjoyed only specific foods – Jamaican, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Soul food, Junk food, leftovers, and free food. He relished the opportunity of attending Georgia Perimeter College. He especially liked carpooling with Stephen and going to lunch right after class each day.

Matthew belonged to Grace Redeeming Ministries Church and spent time chatting with his pastor about life. Matthew treasured his friends and having fun times with them. Matthew's life will be honored and remembered by his parents Donovan & Angela Bennett, his older brother Adrian Bennett, his baby sister Alyssa Bennett, his paternal grandmother Claudette "Patsy" Bennett, his maternal grandmother Winifred "Mama" Owens, his aunts Antoinette Bennett, Nicola Bennett, Yvonne Owens-Burrell (Bobby), Elaine Sutherland (Dorian), Jody Ann King, and uncle Courtney Bennett. His cousins more like siblings Jason King (Michela) and Keisha Thomas. Godfather ….. and a host of cousins, best friends Daniel, Jay, and Ryan. Adopted family Mr. & Mrs. Nolasco and Stephen's sister Valerie.

In honor of his memory a scholarship fund has been established to help you who are as passionate about soccer as Matthew was. (The Matthew C. Bennett Scholarship Fund, Wells Fargo Bank {Sprayberry Branch} all proceeds will be used to support the Soccer program at Sprayberry High School)