Carolyn Benavidez

Carolyn “Jeanne” Benavidez passed away on March 19, 2020 in Odessa, Texas after courageously battling heart and health issues for several years.

Jeanne is survived by her son Larry, brothers Don Jones and John Smith, eleven grandchildren whom she loved and cherished and was extremely proud of; nephews Patrick Johnson, William Jones, and James Jones, and a host of extended family and friends.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Benavidez, parents Betty Smith and Robert Jones, sister Roberta Johnson, and stepfather, Charles Smith.

Jeanne was born on November 18, 1948 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  She graduated from Permian High School and attended Odessa College where she received her Computer Instructor certificate in 2000.

Jeanne was a talented and accomplished bookkeeper, working for a number of years at Marklyn Controls as their comptroller, Nurses Unlimited in Odessa, TX, and most recently for American Land and Minerals.

Jeanne always enjoyed investing in others. For years, she helped her husband “Coach Jimmie” with Little League baseball in Odessa.  Together they supported their son and nephew through baseball and impacted many young lives through sports.  She also enjoyed enriching the lives of senior citizens by teaching them computer skills.

Jeanne was very passionate about cooking and produced several cookbooks containing her most popular recipes.  She especially loved baking and making her famous hot sauces and pickles.  Thank you to her many friends for supporting Jeanne through her love of cooking!

Everyone who knew Jeanne benefitted from her generosity of spirit.  She enjoyed organizing and cooking for various benefits and her special joy was serving the residents of Desert Haven by keeping their Blessing Pantry stocked and coordinating meals for them.  She was also extremely creative and was an excellent seamstress who blessed many family and friends with her amazing hand-crafted gifts.

Due to the extremely trying times that we are all currently facing, the family has chosen to postpone Jeanne’s memorial serve until more people will be allowed to attend.  However, we encourage you to honor and remember Jeanne’s life in any way you see fit.

Jeanne was incredibly loved and cherished.  She will never be forgotten.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.