Jewel Bennight

Willie Jewel Bennight, a young 98, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026.

Born on December 10, 1927, to William Murph Kelly and Julia Mae Rathman Kelly in Bastrop Co., Texas. Jewel worked part-time at a jewelry store and a men's store that outfitted soldiers while attending Bastrop High School. After graduation, she soon met the love of her life, LM Bennight of Smithville, a bus driver who transported military soldiers to and from Camp Swift and Ft. Hood. Married in 1943, they began their life together.

Their family grew in 1945, when their first son, Ronnie, was born in San Antonio. After a few years of working for Continental Trailways, LM was transferred to Victoria, TX. In 1950, he and Jewel welcomed their youngest son, Doug. Missing San Antonio, the family decided to move back after 21 years, just 1 block away from Jewel's eldest sister, Eva. This home would be their forever home. The home that made her boys, gentlemen and the home that her granddaughters and great-grandson spent many holidays and summers in.

Jewel loved being with her family and friends, whether it be sitting out on their patio with a brisket on the pit talking about past and present or taking short trips to the Texas Coast and Hill Country. Traveling to visit family in Bastrop or even taking a few days to drive or fly to Las Vegas in hopes of finding that lucky slot machine and enjoying those mountain views. She enjoyed riding along on the bus to various destinations with LM and cruising around town with her friends, sometimes just to end up at her favorite Mexican food restaurant. She was delighted in watching her loved ones on Christmas morning, talking for hours on the telephone, and getting her hair and nails done. She liked watching her favorite programs and the Spurs on TV. She always had her best foot forward and ensured her rouge and lipstick were perfect before leaving the house, just as many women of her era did.

Jewel was proceeded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, Eva Meehan, Laverne Townsend and Glyn Rose Alexander, 1 brother, Carl Kelly, her loving husband of 56 years, Lee Moriel (LM) Bennight, her first born, Ronnie Neil Bennight, and first granddaughter, Michelle Lynn Bennight.

She is survived by her caretaker, travel companion and beloved youngest son, Douglas Wayne Bennight, her granddaughter, Shannon Michelle and husband, Travis Hine, great-grandson, Jordan Bennight, sister-in-law, Nancy Kelly and numerous nieces and nephews.

We ask that those who want to say one last goodbye to a woman who lived life to the fullest, with dignity and love, join us at Fairview Cemetery, 1307 State Hwy 95, Bastrop, TX 78602, for a graveside service on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:30 AM.