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Dorothy Beatrice Kyle Bennett, the wife of the late Rev. Sustin R. Bennett Sr., died Nov. 16, 2011, The Rev. Melvin T. Bonds officiated and the Rev. Kwame Abayomi gave the eulogy at a funeral service Nov. 22 at Unity UMC in Baltimore. Interment is in Arbutus Memorial Park with her husband.

Dorothy  B. Jones married Sustin Bennett Sr., 17 years her senior, in 1947 at the beginning of his ministerial career, which started at age 40. He owned and spent many years working in the Lincoln Barber Shop on Pennsylvania Ave. in Baltimore.

Bennett was First Lady for 27 years in the churches her husband served after his ordination as Deacon in 1947 in the Washington Conference. These included Methodist churches in Hamilton, Virginia, from 1947-49, Sparrows Point, 1950-52, Mt. Zion-Halls in Magothy 1952-57, St. Matthews in Turner Station 1958-61, and from 1962 until he retired in 1975, at St. Paul’s UMC in Baltimore. He died in 1980.

Bennett taught elementary school in the Anne Arundel County school system for 22 years.

She was an active member of Unity UMC and Mt. Zion UMC of Magothy. She served on various local church and district committees and was president of the United Methodist Women. She especially enjoyed her time with the Golden Girls of Magothy. She sang in the church choirs.

Bennett was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, vice president of New Carroll Manor, Toastmaster National District. She loved to travel and in her earlier years to teach cosmetology.

Survivors include her stepson Sustin Bennett Jr., and goddaughter Dorothy Kasey-McNeill, who was by her side when she died. She is also survived by a granddaughter and a great-grandson.

Condolences may be sent to Sustin Bennett Jr., 2773 Baker St., Baltimore, MD 21218.