Margie Lee Fletcher Bennett, age 72, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 8, 2012, after a long battle with lung cancer.

Margie was born on July 29, 1940 in Richland Parish, Louisiana. She was the eldest daughter of Arnold Vester and Jimmie Lee Fletcher and lived in Louisiana the early years of her life. In 1945, Margie moved with her family to the Fresno, California where she attended Elementary School, Junior High School and graduated from Fresno Central Union High School in 1957.

At the age of 18, Margie moved to Texas to live with her eldest brother, Henry Fletcher, and his wife, Ethelene, in Luling, Texas. She attended Texas Lutheran College for several semesters, worked in her brother’s furniture store, hotel and café, and assisted with the care of Henry and Ethelene’s four children.

At the age of 20, Margie met and married Lester Bennett in 1960. They had three daughters, Celeste, Cecilia and Cindy. In 1965, the family moved to Austin, Texas. Margie and Lester were married 28 years before Lester died of stomach cancer in 1988.

Margie was a born leader with a strong faith in God and a fearless approach to life. She and Lester were some of the original members of the First United Pentecostal Church located at 4915 Ave D in Hyde Park, Austin, Texas where Lester busied himself with the bus route ministry on Saturday and Sunday, and Margie occupied herself with the church lady’s group making and selling meals to raise money. Margie used her talent, creativity and catering skills for rehearsal dinners, receptions, weddings and other church events.

In 1970, Margie began working at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). She worked during the school year, and was home during the summers with her three daughters. Summers were made for mowing the lawn, sewing, cooking, hosting parties, shoe shopping, extended family vacations, time spent at the farm and with family and in-laws.

After losing her husband to cancer in 1988, Margie jumped at the opportunity to move to Washington D.C. and continued working for IRS/Treasury Department. In 1990, she began a career as a Computer Systems Analyst. Her new position allowed her to travel to multiple and various locations across America. During her employment with the IRS, Margie traveled with a special computer team which installed and trouble-shot new software being implemented in IRS service centers across the United States.

Many friends visited Margie when she resided in Washington D.C. There never has been, nor will there ever be, another “tour guide” quite like Margie Bennett. She gave the best tours on the east coast! She befriended dignitaries, political candidates, and attended political fund raisers, inaugural balls and White House Lawn picnics and concerts.

After being diagnosed with lung cancer in 1998, she retired from the IRS and moved back to Austin, Texas where she happily made Austin her final stopping place. Margie enjoyed her four grandchildren, Alexandra, Addysen, Elizabeth and Hayden, and they returned her adoration. She taught them to knit, bake, do for others, and do things “the Granny way”. Margie rarely missed her grandchildren’s school functions, sporting events, and recognition ceremonies. And, she always took the time to jump on the trampoline, play air hockey, board games and any other activity her grandchildren easily convinced her to engage in. Margie was a fun grandmother! She enjoyed gardening, her pond, home improvement projects, adventurous travels, delivering goodies and gifts to those sick and in need, pedicures, massages, sending cards to friends, special event planning for AARP and church functions, Broadway productions, musicals, and delighted herself in the company of her friends and family.

After moving back to Austin, Margie became actively involved with AARP, and began working with AARP and caregiving for elderly individuals. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and cared for many elderly, sick and terminally ill patients. She will be remembered for her great love for God, her family and service to others. Margie embraced every challenge she was faced with and was an inspiration to others facing insurmountable circumstances. Her smile brightened every corner and space she entered, and her infectious laughter drew others to her. We celebrate and honor the remarkable person that she was; the joy, happiness and beauty she brought in a simple smile or “hello”; the courage and determination she had throughout the duration of her illness; and the unconditional love she had for family and friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Celeste Carnahan, Cecilia and Gary Hertel (son-in-law), and Cindy Allen; grandchildren, Alexandra and Addysen Carnahan, Elizabeth Hertel, and Hayden Bennett Allen; many nieces and nephews; sister-in-laws, Sandra Fletcher, Ethelene Fletcher, Delores Bennett, Sandy and Donald Joe Bennett (brother-in-law). She is survived by siblings, Norman Fletcher (and wife, Ester), Claude Fletcher (and wife, Trish), Arnold Vester (“Hap”) Fletcher, Jr., and Shirley Redding. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Bennett; parents, Jimmie Lee Fletcher and Arnold Vester Fletcher; and brothers, Henry Fletcher and David Fletcher; and many precious friends.

We are forever grateful to Dr. Bali Netaji (Oncologist), and his incredible staff, for their concern and care for Margie during the past 14 years. Dr. Netaji is an outstanding doctor, true gentlemen and worthy of much approbation. Many thanks to the exceptional employees and staff of Hospice Austin. You made this journey more bearable and brought much needed comfort and peace.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home located at 3125 North Lamar, Austin Texas. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at PromiseLand Church located at 1504 East 51st Street, Austin, Texas. Interment will be at Capital Memorial Park Cemetery located at 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas.