Charlotte L. Bennett

Charlotte Oneita Lumpkin Bennett, age 76, of Picayune and Perkinston, Mississippi, passed

away unexpectedly at her home on January 19, 2026. Her big heart had grown weary and gently

gave way, freeing her from her earthly vessel and reuniting her with her beloved parents

and sisters who had gone before her.

Charlotte was born on August 10, 1949, in Picayune, Mississippi, to Nellie R. Lumpkin and

Fred E. Lumpkin. She was Nellie and Fred's third daughter, joining Vernie Verene and

Janice Janette, then later joined by their fourth daughter, Beverly Joyce, completing this

beautiful family of six.

She was an avid reader who found comfort and inspiration in the Bible, devotional books,

and western-themed stories. Charlotte delighted in word search puzzles, crosswords, small

crafts, bird watching, caring for cats and dogs, and feeding stray animals. One of her

greatest joys was sitting on the porch of her home, sharing stories and laughter with her

community of friends.

A true free spirit, Charlotte lived life on her own terms, choosing her own paths with spunk,

fire, and determination. She was outspoken, never shy about sharing her thoughts and

opinions with those willing to listen-and even those who weren't. Yet beneath that fiery

spirit was a deeply compassionate soul. She greeted and parted from everyone with "I love

you," whether they were lifelong friends or someone she had just met.

Though her living was modest and she had little in material possessions, Charlotte was

remarkably generous. She loved giving gifts and was always willing to share whatever she

had. In her younger years, she traveled and lived in many states, meeting people from all

walks of life. While travel was no longer possible in her later years, her gypsy soul and

adventurous spirit remained vibrant and alive.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Nellie and Fred Lumpkin; her sisters,

Verene Briggs, Janice Lenoir, and Beverly McDaniel; her brothers-in-law, Norman Briggs,

Dewey Lenoir, and Johnny McDaniel; and her niece Connie Crapeau.

Left to cherish her memory are her two children: her daughter, Beatrice Jeanfreau, and

husband Bryan; and her son, Jeff Bennett. Five grandchildren also survive her: Brittney

Peterson and husband Ricky; April Bennett; Victoria Grace Guidry and her husband

Mitchell; and Rebecca Catherine Jeanfreau and her fiancé Blake Burns; and Kevin

Bennett- as well as four great-grandchildren; Serenity Rayne, Will, Nathan, and Summer.

She is further survived by her nieces and nephews: Laurie Antoinette Shearin and husband

Roger; Veronica Bennett and husband Michael; Jeremy P. McDaniel, Sr. and wife Theresa;

and James E. Lenoir; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews, including Casey

Moore, Jessica Shaw, Elizabeth Tapley, Felicia Spiers, Laurie Johnson, Cody Hill, Colleen

Dufrene, Verene Nayyar, Danielle Etten, Jeremy P. McDaniel II, Kayla Lenoir, James

Dawson Lenoir, Ryleigh Lenoir, and many great-great nieces and nephews.

A visitation to share memories and a chapel service to celebrate Charlotte's life will be held

on February 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Antioch Baptist Church in Picayune,

Mississippi.

Honorary Pallbearer will be members of the Antioch Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, Charlotte would have loved donations to be made to a local animal rescue