Yvonne “E.O.” Bennett, age 88 of Burnsville, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.
Born on April 26, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Floyd Peterson and Etta Edwards Peterson. She was the devoted wife of the late Willie Bennett, with whom she shared 66 years of love and companionship.
Yvonne worked as a pharmacy technician for 48 years at several pharmacies in the area, including Pollard’s Drug Store in Burnsville, Burnsville Pharmacy, and Spruce Pine Pharmacy. During her nearly five decades in the pharmacy, she became a beloved member of the community, always smiling, always willing to help, and always happy to see familiar faces walk through the door.
Many still fondly remember her famous bright orangeade drinks that she made with love for the community, which became something of a local trademark. Her dedication to her work and the people she served was truly remarkable.
Yvonne had a joyful, vibrant personality. She loved flowers, cardinals, bright colors, Elvis, going out to eat, shopping, cruising around in her 1960 Thunderbird, going to carshows, and spending time with the people she loved. She had a gift for making others feel welcomed and cared for, and she poured kindness into everything she did. Though she had no children of her own, she had a “family she claimed”—a chosen family who meant the world to her, and whom she cherished deeply. Yvonne’s life was defined by love and passion—love she gave, love she received, and love she shared freely with those around her. She will be remembered for her warmth, her bright spirit, and her unwavering kindness.
Yvonne is survived by the family she adored and claimed as her own: Glenna (Carlton) Taylor; Philip (Cortney) Taylor, and their children, Kylie, Keely, Trinity and Pierson; David (Rita) Ray and their children, Robbey and Chad (Forence); Heather (Brent) Ledford, and their children, Nathaniel, Adam, and Matthew; Brian (Kristi) Ray, and their children, Victoria, Kaleigh, Courtney, Amber, Caleb, and Josh; Sandy (Maurice) Hilemon; John Bennett, Lee Bennett, and Beth (Eddie); as well as several other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on November 16th, 2025, in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and loved ones one hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Rev. Robert Norris will be officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Bailey Hill Cemetery in Burnsville, NC, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.
E.O. loved flowers, and the family welcomes them in her honor.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Bennett family.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com
