Mother Annie Laurie Bentley

The life of Annie Laurie Bentley began on October 8, 1934, in the Saint Nicholas Community of Jacksonville, Florida. Annie, along with her twin sister Doris, was the youngest of fifteen children born to Elmer and Erma Adams. She was raised in the Historic Saint Nicholas neighborhood on Highland Avenue, now known as Art Museum Drive-a community rooted in family, love, unity, and strong character. These values became the foundation of Annie's life and were evident in all she did.

Annie attended Douglas Anderson Elementary School and later Old Stanton High School. She was nurtured in the Episcopal faith, worshiping with her family at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in St. Nicholas. After a fire destroyed the church, the family continued their worship at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Atlantic Boulevard. Later in life, Annie joined Ponderosa Baptist Church, where she worshiped faithfully with her family under the leadership of her nephew, Pastor Gary Stewart.

Annie held a deep and abiding faith in God. Among her favorite scriptures were Psalm 23, II Timothy 4:6-8, and Matthew 6:9-13. She often expressed her faith with the simple yet powerful declaration, "I got Jesus, baby." Even in her final days, she held firmly to the confession of her faith.

On April 20, 1956, Annie married the love of her life, Henry "HC" Bentley. Their union was a beautiful reflection of unconditional love and devotion. For over fifty-six years, they shared life side by side-where one was seen, the other was never far behind. Together, they built a loving home and were blessed with seven children, Frederick, Barbara, Shelia, Anna, Andrea, Stephanie, and Torrey.

Annie was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and an exceptional homemaker. She played a vital role in raising not only her children but also her nineteen grandchildren and many great and great-great-grandchildren. With a generous and selfless heart, Annie provided care and support that allowed her family to pursue educational and career goals without the burden of childcare concerns. Her home was more than a residence, it was a place of refuge, love, and stability for many.

Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and extended family were the joy of her life. Annie especially cherished the Christmas season. Each year, she and her husband transformed their home into a place of wonder and warmth, creating lasting memories not only for their family but also for children throughout the community.

Annie loved deeply and lived faithfully. Her life stands as a testimony of strength, compassion, and unwavering faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed.

God saw fit to send His angel of death into the room of Annie Laurie Bentley with its love and tender care to relieve her from the troubles of this world. On Monday, March 16, 2026, at 1:12pm, Annie entered into her eternal rest to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of fifty-six years, Henry "HC" Bentley; son, Frederick Jerome Bentley; adopted son, Horace Lee Holmes; grandson, Tyrone "Jake" O'Neal, Jr.; great-granddaughter, Marvida T. Sinclair; parents, Elmer and Erma Adams; father and mother-in-law, Henry and Clara Mae Bentley; sisters, Alma Cash (George), Natalie Sims (Edward) and her twin Doris Anderson (Charles); brothers, Henry Adams (Josephine), Wycliff Adams, Sr. (Gladys), Paul Adams (Lena), Richard Adams, Sr. (Mary), George Adams (Rogenia) and Havlyn Adams (Lottie); sister-in-law, Thelma Hartley (Clevland); brothers-in-law, John D. Bentley, Horace Bentley (Katheleen) and Cleo Fred Bentley, Sr.; and sister-in-love, Lula Bell Clention.

Annie leaves to cherish her most precious memories, her loving and devoted children, Barbara Bentley Hartley, Shelia Bentley Davis, Anna Bentley Roberts (Larry), Andrea Bentley, Stephanie Bentley, and Torrey Bentley; devoted brothers-in-law, Charles Bentley (Carolyn) and Lynn Bentley (Sallie Ann); sister-in-law, Lelia Bentley; nineteen caring grandchildren, Latrish Anderson (Cornelious), Chantina Davis, Akima Ray (Lavario), Tawyna Shoemake (Adrian Sr.), Charshus Davis, Mario Bentley, Tiffany O'Neal, Kesie Moses, Torey O'Neal, Sr., Korey O'Neal, Sr. (Latoya), Shaun Bentley (Shana), Katrina Benton (Charles), Joshua Bentley, Sheena O'Neal, A. Keith Wards, Jr., Martia Phillips, Ausha Wards (Shalania) and Loniesha Sessions; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one uncle, Deacon Curtis Bentley; son-in-law, A. Keith Wards, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Hazel Bentley; and godson, Eric Adams.

Annie held a special bond with her twin sister Doris' children, Gail Anderson, Ernest Anderson (Donna) and Kimberly Anderson; devoted nieces and nephews, Alma Harris, Cylynn Johns, Vanzel Brill, Elaine Adams Ford, Deborah Robinson, Rickey Adams, Lynn Atwater, Ann Atwater, Trishanda Bentley, Vanessa Walker (Ed).

Annie kept a close-knit bond with her loving cousins, Carrie Jordan, Julie Leachman, Claudies Bentley Kendall, Willie Bentley, and King Worthy. She also held dear to her heart her extended family, Evelyn Kinsey, Isabell Daniels, John Daniels, Robbie Lee Wards, The O'Neal Family, Lonnie and Patricia Sessions, Andre and Mildred Jolly; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family, neighbors, and many sorrowing friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.