Joyce McNamara Bennett

SEAFORD - Joyce McNamara Bennett, born Feb. 8, 1936, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in her home after a long battle with diabetes. A loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Joyce will also be remembered by her family and friends for her love of animals and her art of gardening. Joyce was preceded in death by her son, Matthew Scott McNamara; her parents, William and Pauline Whitlock; her nephew, Christopher Williams; and her beloved dog, Scoobie. She is survived by her daughter, Shannon McNamara Banks and her husband Mark Banks; grandsons, Kortney Mark and Matthew Franklin; her sister, Claudia W. Williams and her husband Dennis W. Williams Sr.; nephews, D.J. Kevin and Brian, all of Seaford. Joyce is also survived by her brother, William W. Whitlock and his wife Donnie Ann of West Point, Calif., and their children, Pam, Jen and Dale, also of California. In keeping with her generous spirit of helping others, Joyce donated her body to medical science to assist research in its quest for a cure for diabetes. The memorial service will be private for the family. Friends and family may make donations in honor and celebration of the life of Joyce McNamara Bennett to the Human Society or The American Diabetes Association.