Lisa Smith-Bentley

On September 27, 1967, Lisa Michele Smith-Bentley graced the world with her beautiful presence. She was born in East Orange, New Jersey to overjoyed parents Sandra Charlene Smith and the late Ronald Smitherman.

Lisa would grow up to become a vibrant, fun-spirited woman with a deeply rooted passion for Christ, cooking and helping others. Known by some as “Sweetbread” and others as “Lee”, everyone knew Lisa was kind, caring and selfless. She was also competitive. As any video game opponent quickly learned, Lisa was a force to be reckoned with.

On July 5, 2006, Lisa said “yes” to the man of her dreams and reality, James Calvin Bentley. Together, they resided in Richmond Hill, GA with her beloved dogs, Sampson and Zeus. Lisa worked as a health administrator at Memorial Health University Medical Center for several years. Earlier this year, she became an independent consultant for Pampered Chef.

Lisa’s spiritual beliefs kept her grounded. She depended on God’s strength in the best of times and also in some tougher moments. An active participant of New Life City church’s women's group, Lisa’s compassion fueled her ministry to others. She served needy families who turned to the church for food and shelter. Lisa also provided transportation and emotional support for other cancer patients. In addition, she was an administrator for the Facebook group titled “Let’s Talk About God” where she prayed for and encouraged others.

Lisa is survived by her mother, Sandra Charlene Smith; husband James Calvin Bentley; four children, DuWayne Thomas Dunson, Sandra Monique Baker, Amber Alicia Vernita Smith, and James Calvin Bentley Jr.; three grandchildren, Bryant Michael Wood, Jordan Caleb Chestnutt, and Sienna Michele Baker; and siblings, Terrance Edward Briscoe and Myrtle James-Briscoe, Los Angeles, CA, James Brown, Jr. and Amisha Brown, Jackson, NJ, Marlena Grider, Ozark, AL, Tiffany Morris and Kevin Morris, Marietta, GA, DaShanda Crittendon and Eric Crittendon, Ozark, AL, and Jennifer Brown, Jackson, NJ.

While Lisa knew no strangers, she leaves behind many devoted friends including Renee Perry-Conover, Alina Sandoval Moore, Lisa Odell-Egerton, and Sandra Monica Baker.

A “walk-through” visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel. Funeral services will follow in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ryan Ogden officiating. Burial will be in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating at the service will be limited. The public is invited to watch the service via Livestream at www.facebook.com/cfhbchapel2. Social distancing will be observed in all locations and the wearing of masks is required. 

Arrangements are provided by Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carterbryanchapel.com.