BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On the morning of Wednesday, May 2nd, Michael Bennett was driving his wife, Mrs. Letara Thames Bennett, to her job in San Antonio, Florida. She had worked there for 14 years.
Afterwards, he was going on a job interview. However, the couple never made their destination because of a traffic accident that claimed both their lives. Now, their families are attempting to raise money for their funerals.
The couple married six years ago, and together became the parents of 13 children. Mrs. Bennett, 32, was the mother of 4, Michael Bennett, 36, was the father of 9, two of which were in his custody.
Mrs. Jermeka Lewis, sister of Mrs. Bennett said, “Michael was taking my sister to work and then he was supposed to have a job interview at my husband’s place of employment. When my husband told me he never showed up, I knew something was wrong. About 20 minutes later, my mother called and said my sister had been airlifted to the hospital.”
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the couple was traveling on Interstate 4 when an aggressive driver cut them off shortly after 6 a.m.
Michael Bennett was driving their 2004 Envoy in the outside lane and loss control of the vehicle as he took evasive action to avoid an accident. Investigating officers said Bennett over-corrected and struck the left side of a 2007 Hino, driven by Carlos Santos, 44, of Kissimmee.
After striking the vehicle, Bennett’s vehicle flipped over, ejecting both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. After spinning across the highway, it came to rest on its roof. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett died in the accident. Santos was not injured.
Mrs. Bennett was born in Newton, Mississippi, and moved to Dade City as a child. She graduated from Pasco High School and continued her education at Pasco Hernando Community College, where she was a Computer Technician major.
She was a member of New Bethel AME Church in Lacoochee, FL.
In addition to her four children, she leaves behind her mother, Mrs. Kathy Thames; her sister, Mrs. Lewis; and brother, Ahmad Thames, and other relatives and friends.
Her funeral services are planned for Saturday, May 12, at 2 p.m. Middleton Funeral Home of Dade City in is charge of handling arrangements.
Mrs. Lewis said the family is still struggling to raise the money for the funeral, but it is planned for Saturday. “We have looked everywhere and have not been able to find any life insurance policies. She didn’t have any insurance. We are washing cars and doing what we can. But, our God is an awesome God and He is going to work this out.”
Michael Bennett was a Tampa native and attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He graduated from Jefferson High School. After he married, the couple moved to Lakeland to live.
Mrs. Karen Smith, Bennett’s cousin said, “We couldn’t have a double funeral because there is no life insurance. We are hoping to have his services on May 19th if we can raise the money.
“We are struggling like you wouldn’t believe trying to get the money for the funeral. People have been giving and we are thankful for the donations we have received, but it’s hard in this economy and we understand.”
In addition to his nine children, he leaves behind his mother, Mrs. Vera Barnes; 3 sisters, a brother, and other relatives and friends.
Aikens Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements for Michael Bennett.
FHP Seeks Information
The vehicle that initially cut off the Bennett vehicle, left without stopping.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the vehicle is a dark colored compact car. Anyone with any information about the vehicle is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at (813) 631-4020. The accident remains under investigation.
