Jayne Bennett

Jayne Baker Bennett, of Kingwood, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2026. Jayne was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood.

Ruby Jayne Baker was born on June 2, 1945, in Cullman, Alabama, where she spent her childhood. She graduated from Cullman High School in 1963 as a straight-A student and was honored for twelve years of perfect attendance. Following graduation, she attended Cosmetology School in Birmingham, Alabama.

While attending First Baptist Church of Birmingham, Jayne met her future husband, Gene Bennett. They were married in 1964 and soon moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where they began their family. After relocating to Auburn, Alabama, while Gene attended Engineering School at Auburn University, they welcomed their second child. During this time, Jayne was an active student-wife and mother of two and was selected as a finalist in the 1969–1970 Mrs. Auburn Pageant.

Many years later, Jayne and Gene welcomed their third child while living in Louisville, Kentucky. After living in ten cities over a span of twenty-four years, they settled in Thomasville, Georgia, where they made their home for the next twenty-nine years. There, Jayne found her calling as a buyer and manager for local gift shops, a role that reflected her warmth, creativity, and eye for beauty. She cherished her role as "Noc Noc" to her grandchildren and delighted in spending time with them.

Jayne retired in 2007. Over the following ten years, she and Gene enjoyed traveling together for his work, with destinations including Hawaii, Alaska, Palm Springs, Galveston, and Miami. In 2017, they relocated to Kingwood, Texas, where they spent their most recent years surrounded by family and faith. Throughout her life, Jayne was the epitome of a devoted and loyal wife, helping to build a strong, Christian-centered family. She had a remarkable gift for making a house a home wherever life took them, always carrying herself with dignity and grace, even during challenging times. Family was always her top priority, and she loved unconditionally. Her legacy of love will remain with her family and friends for a lifetime.

Jayne was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Spencer Baker and Vondell Hamilton Baker Speegle.

She is survived by her loving husband of more than sixty-one years, Eugene "Gene" Clinton Bennett, Sr.; her daughters, Lynn Bennett Byrd (Jonathan) and Meredith Bennett Smith (Ben); her son, Eugene Clinton "Clint" Bennett, Jr. (Amy); and her eight cherished grandchildren: Kate Baker Byrd O'Connor (Michael), Abby Elizabeth Bennett, Jonathan Bryan "Jon" Byrd, Jr., Carter Sims Bennett, Chase Robert Bennett, Chandler Jayne Smith, Benjamin "B" Stewart Smith III, and Emma Posey Smith.

Jayne will be remembered for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and boundless love. Her life was a beautiful example of devotion, grace, and kindness, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2026 at 1pm

First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood 5520 Kingwood Drive Kingwood, TX 77345

Memorial Gifts may be directed to: Houston Area Parkinson Society

Houston Area Parkinson Society Donation Link

https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E353549&id=1