Jolene Bennett Nalley

Jolene Bennett Nalley entered her eternal life on Sunday, July 6th, 2025. Jolene was born in Clinton, South Carolina. She and her life's love and husband, Charles Irvin Nalley, deceased as of March in 2023, met as teenagers at Thornwell Home for Children. Later, they both had long careers working at Thornwell. Jolene was the manager of the Thornwell package receiving, clothing, and gift office. This office was the center hub of the campus in its day. It was a daily respite of care and comfort for both staff and children to meet, and to join in sharing stories, and feeling loved. She loved everyone she came in contact with, and they felt it. She was a mother to many, and she helped rear and nurture many of whom weren't her own; although, she loved them as such.

She was the daughter of Fletcher Bennett, and Juliette Duckett Bennett, of Clinton. She had four siblings: Yvonne Ray, Elaine Olmstead, Dennis Bennett, and Emily Caughman.

She is survived by four children: Denise Nalley, Lynn Benjamin (Jeff), June McCauley, and Tim Nalley; as well as her nephew, Michael Caughman (Jennifer), who joined her home at the age of 6 months, and continued throughout his senior year in high school. She and Charles had five grandchildren, all of whom were boys: Ryan McCauley, Anderson Nalley, Alexander Benjamin (Aubrey), Adam Benjamin, and Austin Benjamin (Ariana). She also had one great-grandchild, Theodore Benjamin (Teddy). She cared for numerous Clinton children in retirement. She had a great extended affinity with her care of Peyton Hartley, Gracie Waldron McMillian, and Ike Waldron. She had many nieces and nephews, of whom she had much love for, and who also loved her.

Jolene loved and always appreciated her Thornwell Family, including those of whom she grew up with, and remained friends with for life. She cared for many children along the way- from their beginnings in the Baby Cottage while she was a teenager and throughout their entire lives. Several of these folks - far too many to name - have been most gracious with love and support to her throughout the years, and they are most appreciated. She had also served Thornwell as Treasurer of the Alumni Association.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at 11 :30 AM at the Hartness - Thornwell Memorial Presbyterian Church. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service from 10:30 AM to 11 :30 AM in the church. Interment will take place at Pinelawn Memory Gardens, following the service. The family will be at Mrs. Nalley’s residence at 304 Cedar Street, Clinton, SC 29325.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who have shown us all their love and prayers during this difficult time.

Memorials may be made to Thornwell Home for Children, 302 South Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325, or the American Cancer Society, 270 Peachtree St NW, Suite 1300, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home in Clinton is assisting the Nalley family with the arrangements.