Mary Virginia Wells Bennett, lovingly known as “Ginny” or “Ginny Baby,” passed peacefully into God’s grace on May 27, 2025. A devoted mother, cherished “Granny” and “Great Granny,” beloved sister, and loyal friend to many, she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and warmth that touched everyone blessed to know her.
Born on September 30, 1943, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Ginny was raised in Spring Lake and graduated from Pine Forest High School in 1961. During her school years, she was a cheerleader, a member of the choral choir, and proudly voted “Most Talented” by her senior class. Her love for music blossomed early; at just 12 years old, she began playing piano for her home church, Central Baptist Church in Spring Lake.
Her professional life included success as a licensed real estate agent and property manager, along with over four decades of dedicated Civil Service as a budget and finance analyst, primarily serving the U.S. Army Special Forces. She retired in 2019 from the JFK Special Warfare Center, where she built lifelong friendships and earned the respect and admiration of all who worked alongside her.
Of all her many accomplishments, Ginny’s greatest pride and joy was her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than being called “Granny.” Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her heart and soul. She also “adopted” many others over the years, extending her love to those who became family in every way that mattered.
Ginny’s happy places were Walt Disney World—her own slice of magic—and the beach, especially the sunny shores of Key West, Florida.
She is survived by her loving children: Cynthia Weatherly Burris of Fayetteville, NC; Michael Lee Weatherly Jr. (Myriam) of Navassa, NC; Shelley Elaine Bennett of the home Her grandchildren: Michael Weatherly III, James Burris, Crystal Weatherly, Megan Burris, Kuhrt Weatherly, Kalli Weatherly, and William Bennett; and 11 great-grandchildren who brought endless joy to her life. She also leaves behind her sisters: Marsha Wells Byrd Scott (Ben) of San Antonio, TX; and Beth Wells Becker of Morehead City, NC Two nieces, Beth Buyse (Russell) and Samantha Miller; a nephew, Bill “Brian” Byrd (Michelle); as well as numerous cousins who were as close as siblings, and many dear friends who became extended family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, MSgt William “Bata Boot” Bennett; her parents, Sammie Earl Wells and Virginia Wells Carpenter; her brother, James Gary Wells; and her grandmother, Hazel Pope.
Ginny’s laughter, faith, warmth, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Adcock Funeral Home in Spring Lake, North Carolina. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Cedar Falls Baptist Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Burial will follow at Cross Creek Cemetery.
Services entrusted to Adcock Funeral Home and Crematory, Spring Lake, NC.