Tributes

With family by her side, Wanda Delphine Casterlow Bennett entered fully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 14, 2019. Her unwavering faith in God and the support of a loving family sustained her in her fearless battle with a lengthy illness. Wanda was born on November 7, 1957 to Mollie and Howard Casterlow. She attended W.S. Creecy High School of Rich Square, North Carolina, where she later began blazing trails as the first female bus driver. On March 4, 1978, Wanda married the love of her life, Rondy Bennett. She went on to graduate from East Carolina University with a degree in Occupational Therapy and later received her Master’s Degree in Administrative Rehabilitation. Upon graduation from ECU, Wanda worked as an Occupational Therapist at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Later, she was promoted to manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services. Her passion for this work eventually inspired her to return to her alma mater and teach occupational therapy students. Prior to retirement, Wanda’s hard work and dedicated service led her to attain the position of Administrator of Rehabilitation Services at Vidant Medical Center. She experienced great fulfillment as a member of the CARF Accreditation Team that surveyed rehabilitation facilities worldwide for certification. At one time, Wanda was one of only three Black surveyors in the United States. Wanda was a member of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. She possessed numerous spiritual gifts and used them tirelessly in Christian service. She was the first chairperson of the Women’s Task Force (Women’s Ministry), the first coordinator of Masterlife, and served on the Board of Evangelism. Wanda will forever be remembered as a kind, considerate woman of relentless faith. She had grace, dignity and the quiet determination to follow Christ no matter the cost. Totally dedicated to her family in every way, she coached her son’s little league basketball team. Wanda was stylish and sophisticated, possessing a classy elegance on the inside and out. She was a friend in whom you could always depend and epitomized the word trustworthy. Wanda had a real zest for life. She loved worshipping, giving God praise and spending time with her two grandsons Dallas and Eason. Wanda was big on family time and building lifelong lasting memories. She loved to travel, whether it be for work or with her family on vacations. Wherever she went she made sure Shug (her husband) was right there with her. She began to enjoy camping, especially after Tory, her youngest son, joined cub scouts. Her hobbies were reading, shopping, fashion, and interior decorating. Wanda generously touched many lives and was loved by all who met her. Cherished lifetime memories will live on in the hearts of her husband, of forty one years, Rondy Bennett of the home; her mother, Mollie Casterlow of Greenville, NC; her beloved sons, Lamont Bennett his wife, Arthenia of Rocky Mount, NC and Tory Bennett and his significant other Ariel of Virginia Beach, Virginia; two grandsons, Dallas and Eason Bennett; one brother, Howard Dexter Casterlow (Alice) of Suffolk, VA; her father-in-law, Wiley Bennett (Lanell) of Scotland Neck, NC; one brother-in-law, James Bennett (Lilian) of Camden Wyoming, DE; one niece, Alicia; one nephew, Howard; a very devoted friend of many years, Shelia Edwards of Greenville, NC and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Wanda Delphine Casterlow Bennett

November 7, 1957 - January 14, 2019