I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for a crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day.

2 Timothy 7: 8

Mrs. Leatha Mae Robertson Carnegie, age 82, of 160 Reagan Circle, Waycross, passed Friday, January 19, 2018, at the Hospice Satilla House in Waycross, GA.

She lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; spending time with her family, cooking, and going to church.   She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a humorous way. Leatha possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many.  Many lives were changed by her nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.

She was born in Quitman Georgia to the late Deacon Willie Robertson Sr., and the late Julia Mae Robertson.   She was the oldest of seven children. She was preceded in death by a brother and sister: Willie Robertson Jr. and Estelle Robertson Stanford. She received her formal education at Brooks and Ware County Public Schools.  Mother Carnegie accepted the Lord at an early age and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.   She received the Holy Ghost under the leadership of Elder Rhoden at First Born Church of the Living God #2 (Hebardville).

Leatha was joined in holy matrimony by her childhood sweetheart: Deacon Leroy Bennett Sr. and to this union seven children were born.  She was preceded in death by her oldest daughter Frankie Lois Preston.  She worked at Baptist Village and the Paradise Café.  She served faithful as choir president in the First Born Church #2 Senior Choir.  In this choir, she was known for singing “Christ is All.”

Later she and her family moved to Bainbridge Ga.  In Bainbridge, she was employed with ITT Thompson and Amoco, Inc.  After retiring, she relocated back to Waycross and joined the True House of Deliverance Holiness Church under the leadership of her daughter Pastor Juliette Howard; where she served as the church mother.

A life complete, A life well spent, A lasting legacy

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories to her children: Pastor Linda Faye Swift (Lester), James Lester Bennett (Ophelia), Juliette Bennett Howard (Aaron), and  Leroy Bennett Jr., (Mary) all of Waycross, Tammy Shree Denton and Milliedean Ann Gadson (Bruce) of Bainbridge GA;  A special granddaughter and caregiver: Araine LeFaye Howard (Joel) of Patterson, GA; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, eight great -great- great grandchildren,  one loving sister Annie Lois Jones and three brothers: Nathaniel Robertson Sr. (Maxine), Freddie Lee Robertson Sr. (Jeannette), and Jackie Robertson all of Waycross,  two special friends: Patricia Ann Austile and Marguerite Gant, a special son in law Freddie Preston, Sr., a host of nieces, nephews,  cousins, and countless friends.

A visitation for family only will be Friday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m. Public viewing begins at 2:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at Church of Christ Written in Heaven,617 Blackwell St. Bishop John Moss, Pastor.  Her daughter Pastor Juliet Howard, of True House of Deliverance, 915 Bertha St, Waycross, GA; will deliver Words of Comfort.

Mrs. Leatha Carnegie will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family is receiving friends at the home of her son and daughter in law James and Ophelia Bennett at 2128 Screven Ave., Waycross.

The cortege will assemble at 10:00 A.M also at the home of her son and daughter in law.

Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc.