Ozella Bennett

Ozella Bennett, born January 1, 1949, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, to the late William and Mable Sims, passed away on November 4, 2025. Her life was marked by faith, resilience, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

Ozella accepted Christ early in life and was a devoted member of Gaines United Methodist Church, where she found fellowship, purpose, and spiritual strength — a faith that guided her steps and shaped the woman she became.

After moving from Tennessee to Cincinnati, Ohio as a child, Ozella graduated from Withrow High School in 1968. Soon after, she married Shedrick “Ricky” Bennett and became the proud mother of three sons: Shedrick L. Bennett Jr. (Tracey), Anthony G. Bennett, and Jason L. Bennett, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her siblings Laura M. Anderson, John L. Sims (Pat, deceased), Marvin Sims (Pam), and Mark Sims; her grandchildren Jessica L. Bennett, Shedrick L. Bennett, III, Djuan Bennett, and Ja’Kala Bennett; and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was also preceded in death by her siblings William E. (Minnie) Sims, Barbara Sims, and Mike Sims.

Affectionately known by family and friends as Aunt O.Z. or O.Z., she embraced life with a joyful spirit and a quiet strength, finding happiness in the things she enjoyed most — especially playing softball with the Madisonville ‘Villettes,’ with teammates Gereene, Kathy, Raye Ann, and Vivian, to name a few or bowling with Maureen, and hanging out with her lifelong friends, Viola and Trevae. The laughter, companionship, and memories she shared with them were among her greatest joys. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, and around the holidays you could always find her taking orders for her famous dinner rolls — a beloved family tradition that will forever carry her presence.

Though she is no longer with us, the warmth, kindness, and grace Ozella brought into the world will continue to shine through the lives of the family and friends she touched.

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