Lillian Purcell Bennett Johnson, age 96, passed away peacefully at her home on June 12, 2019, after a short illness.  The daughter of John Groce Purcell and Agnes Moody Purcell, she was born February 13, 1923, in Appling County, Georgia, and she was the youngest of 8 children.  She was preceded in death by sons Jeff Bennett and Dane Bennett, brothers Dwight, Dewitt, Dupree, Dick and Dale Purcell, and sisters Doris Purcell and Donnell Purcell Ratliff.  She was also preceded in death by husbands Harry Keith Bennett, Sr., Sidney Lane and Frank Johnson.  She is survived by children Harry Keith (and Clydia) Bennett, Jr., Holly (and Bruce) Porter, and John (and Rhonda) Bennett; grandchildren Alyson Bennett Frizzell, Harry Keith Bennett III, Vance Bennett, Reed Bennett, Bree Bennett, Kelley Porter Jackson, Rebecca Porter Sermons; great-grandchildren Hannah Kay Bennett, Harry Keith Bennett IV, Kennedy Love Sermons, Elijah Alexander Sermons, Reese Payton Jackson, Finn Porter Jackson, Piper Haven Jackson, Lana Christine (and Cody) Burkett,  Jimi Vandi Bennett, Troy Ammons Bennett, Lizzy beth Bennett, Dre (and Taylor) Spivey, and great-great grandchildren Williams Colt Burkett and Liam Spivey, a host of nieces and nephews, and her cat Gracie.

Ms. Lillian came to Alma in 1946 to teach Home Economics after graduating from Martha Berry College.  In her 90s she began writing a book entitled "What Martha Berry and Her Work Did For a Family of Eight."  In July, 2018 numerous family and friends attended her book signing celebration.

The family will receive family and guests at the home of Holly and Bruce Porter.  Visitation will be held at the Chapel of Crosby Funeral Home on Thursday, June 13, from 6 pm – 8 pm.  Funeral Services will be held at Alma First Baptist Church on Friday, June 14 at 11 am.  Internment will be at Big Creek Church, Alma, Georgia.  Rev. Fred Lacey and Rev. Ron Sweat will officiate the services.   Pallbearers will be Harry Keith Bennett III, John Vance Bennett, Reed Troy Bennett, Bradley Reid Jackson, Richard Frizzell, and Paul Thomas Bennett. Honorary Pallbearers will be her Sunday School Class and Caregivers: Lynn Nails, Jerry Nall, Sandra Peacock, Pam Starling, Pauline Bagley and Carol Rucks.  Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.