Gayle Elizabeth Bennett, 61, passed away on November 17, 2015 following a long illness. She was born July 15, 1954 in Columbia, SC as the daughter of James Lesesne Bennett and Elizabeth Hodson Bennett.

Gayle's interest in early childhood education led her to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in Special Education from the University of South Carolina.

Gayle will be remembered for the encouragement and compassion she demonstrated to the students she served in the Kershaw County School District as a special education teacher. Her experience and passion for teaching earned her a position on the Board of Directors for Imagine Schools Columbia Leadership Academy.

Gayle is preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Hodson Bennett; and brother, Sherwood Amos Bennett. She leaves behind a brother, James L. Bennett (Rosann); sisters Sherene Cupstid and Jannas Matthews (Lee); nieces, nephews and precious friends who provided many acts of kindness during her illness.

A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 o'clock, Wednesday evening at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. A graveside service will be held at two o'clock Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Woodridge Memorial Park at 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC 29072.