Dovie Ruth Heavener Bennett Jeans, 91

October 20, 1933 – May 31, 2025

Dovie Ruth Heavener Bennett Jeans, age 91, fought the good fight, finished the race, and claimed the eternal victory as she peacefully entered her Heavenly Home on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth, Mississippi.

Funeral services honoring her beautifully lived life will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. Tim Hall officiating and Bro. Randall Jeter offering special music. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 8 PM on Wednesday evening, June 4, 2025, at Ripley Funeral Home and will continue Thursday from 10 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow in the Blue Mountain Pentecostal Church Cemetery.

Born into this earthly world on October 20, 1933, in Tippah County, Mrs. Ruth was the beloved daughter of the late Learsley and Martha Smith Heavner. She received her early education at the humble Spouts Spring schoolhouse, but it was through life itself that she gained her true wisdom — learning the values of hard work, hospitality, and unwavering faith.

After marrying Mr. Eugene Bennett, Mrs. Ruth began her journey of family and homemaking in the Memphis area. She was a devoted wife, a proud mother, and the keeper of a spotless home — a woman who believed that cleanliness was not only next to godliness, but a reflection of the order and peace she desired to give to those she loved. Her dishes sparkled, her floors shined, and her heart was open to all who crossed her threshold.

Following the passing of Mr. Eugene, the Lord brought a second chapter of companionship into her life through marriage to Mr. Wayne Jeans. Together, they shared meaningful time in the quiet contentment of one another’s company, anchored by faith and mutual respect.

A born-again believer and a faithful member of Emmanuel Holiness Church, Mrs. Ruth loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, and strength. She treasured the fellowship of the saints and was often found visiting other congregations, including Blue Mountain Pentecostal Church and Gray Road Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, where her presence was a blessing to many. Musically gifted, she could play just about anything with strings — a true joy to those gathered around her. She cherished the old-time gospel songs, singing them with conviction and a voice seasoned by praise.

Even in her final years, when dementia clouded the mind but not the soul, her love for God and family remained undimmed. She may have forgotten names, but she never forgot the love in her heart or the peace that came from above. Her gentle spirit, tidiness, and deep reverence for worship stood strong to the very end.

As 2 Timothy 4:7 so perfectly states, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Mrs. Ruth did all of that and more — a woman of grace, grit, and godliness who now rests in the arms of her Savior, whole and restored.

Those left to carry on her legacy include two daughters, Gilda Jean Bennett, and Myra Gail Jamison, two sons, William Darrell Bennett, and David Lynn Bennett (Dona), nine grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephew, cousins, church family, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Mr. Eugene Bennett, her second husband, Mr. Wayne Jeans, her daughter, Deborah Kay Bennett, and five sisters, Lucille Newby, Cleo Hall, Ruby Cissom, Virginia Newby, and Valsie Muse.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Ruth’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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