Obituary of Tanya Lilly Bennett

Tanya Lynn (Lilly) Bennett, 38 of Roanoke, Virginia went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday morning, January 6, 2014 following a long illness. She was first and foremost, a loving and devoted wife and mother to three children. While she spent most of her time as a homemaker, caring for and educating her children, she had also been employed at Walden Books, and Lifeway Christian Bookstore. Tanya had a passion for Missions and Children, and devoted her life to serving Christ as a member of Hollins Road Baptist Church, where she served as a nursery coordinator, GA leader, Deacon's wife, and as a member of the Flo Doyle women's circle. She then served for a time as a youth leader at Campbell Memorial Church, and most recently until her death as Pastor's wife at Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Tanya was an active member of the Roanoke Valley's home schooling community, and was a founding member and leader of the Roanoke/Salem Christian Co-op, where she taught many children classes in Drama and Journalism. Tanya was born in Sophia, West Virginia, and graduated from Allegheny High School, in Covington, Virginia; she also attended Concord College for two years in Athens, WV. She is survived by her husband of more than 18 years, Jason Bennett originally from Ronceverte WV, her three children Joshua, Lila, and Noah Bennett of Roanoke VA; parents, Charles and Velma Lilly of Botetourt County VA; sister and brother-in-law, Leigh Ann (Lilly) and Scott Firestone of Fincastle VA; brother and sister-in-law, Charles David and Sherri Lilly of Ronceverte, WV; 10 nieces and nephews; 1 great niece; 1 great nephew; and many other family members and friends. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Hollins Road Baptist Church in Roanoke Va., on Saturday, January 11, 2014 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, followed by a memorial service from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Everyone is invited to celebrate her life with us. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the American Cancer Society in Tanya's honor.