Sandra Hursey Bennett

Sandra Hursey Bennett of Durham, NC passed away peacefully at Duke Hospital on March 13, 2022 after a short illness.  Sandy transitioned to heaven surrounded by the four men she loved more than anything in the world.  She was 81 years old.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bobby; children, Tim Bennett and wife Kim of New Bern, NC; Chris Bennett and wife Kelly of Oak Island, NC; and Michael Bennett and wife Kellyanne of Stem, NC. Although her children and husband were the loves of her life, she cherished every moment with her three daughter-in-laws.  Sandra also was proud “Nana” to Drew, Landis, David, Lauren and Luke.  Her joy could not be contained about the upcoming birth of her first great grandchild due in June.

Sandra was born on September 25, 1940 in Durham, NC to Sidney and Ruth Hursey.  She spent almost all of her 81 years as a Durham resident.  She loved to tell people she lived in the City of Medicine and the home of the Duke Blue Devils. Sandy attended Southern Durham High School graduating in the class of 1958 or as she affectionately referred to them; the “Greats of 58”.  She continued her education by attending Watts School of Nursing in Durham. She later returned to school and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She worked at Watts Hospital, Durham Regional Hospital and then 22 years at Duke Medical Center as Staff Nurse Anesthetist. Her children remember her as a driven, talented woman and a patient, loving mother who encouraged all to pursue their goals, work hard and be positive role models. Faith, family, education and Duke sports were her passions.

In addition to her loving family and fulfilling career, Sandra loved sports, music and attending church.  She never missed one of her sons or grandchildren participating in an athletic contest, piano recital or musical presentation.  She also loved her Duke Blue Devils and has sat in the same seats in Cameron Indoor Stadium since 1980. Sandy was an Iron Duke and member of the Durham Sports Club. Sandra was an active member of Temple Baptist Church in Northern Durham.

Serving as Pallbearers are Drew Bennett, David Bennett, Luke Bennett, Mike Germino, Bob Lindquist, Stephen Hursey, Sidney “Bubba” Hursey, and Sergiy Yarovyy.  Honorary Pallbearers include Frankie Hall and Dan Cone.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, March 19 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church (2121 Umstead Road, Durham) followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. also at Temple. The service will be officiated by both Reverends Dr. Randy Sherron and Randall Floyd. Entombment will take place in Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum (Liberty Street and Miami Boulevard, Durham).  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sandy’s life.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her honor to the Durham Sports Club Scholarship Foundation.