Laurie Anna Bennett

January 17, 1928 – July 24, 2025

Laurie Bennett, of Palm City, FL and formerly of Miami, FL, passed away on July 24, 2025 in Palm City, FL, at the age of 97, after an extended illness.

Laurie was born in Miami, Florida in 1928 to the late Samuel Alonza Sands and Laura Augusta Morton Sands. Laurie moved to Palm City after her marriage to Forrest Bennett in 1986 and immediately was employed by the Property Appraiser for Martin County. After retirement, Laurie found fulfillment in volunteering as a Special Deputy Clerk at the county courthouse and continued in this position for over 10 years.

Laurie most enjoyed spending time with her extended family, children, grandchildren and friends. She especially loved family meals, holiday gatherings, and attending church. She was known for her doll collection, gardening, singing in church choirs, curious mind and quick wit.

Laurie graduated from Miami-Dade College in the 80's and earned membership to the National Honor Society.

In addition to her parents, Laurie was predeceased by her first and second husbands: Virgil Graham of Tulsa, OK and Forrest Bennett, of Iowa; Sisters: Clarice Matilda Taylor, Ardina Viola Allen, Eunice Annette Cleveland, and Patricia Jane Martin; Brothers: Samuel Elmer Sands, Frederick Rudolph Sands, and Cecil Lawrence Sands; Sons: Virgil Alan Graham, William H Graham, Robert R Graham; Granddaughter: Stacy Carson and Great Granddaughter Ayla Garo. She is survived by her Son: Mark Graham; Daughter: Patricia Graham; Granddaughters: Shelley Peterson, Leslie Doble, Christine Graham-Garo and Stephanie Orr; Grandsons: Mark A. Graham and Jack Graham Strilky; eleven great grandchildren and a great-great grandson due in September.

Interment for Laurie is at 10:30am on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Forest Hills Memorial Park. 2100 SW Murphy Road, bldg. 3, east, level 11, niche D