Velvet Lynn Bennett Roberts, 43, won her victory over cancer on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. She was born on May 23, 1975 in El Dorado, Arkansas to John Van Bennett and Sue Lazenby Futch.

Velvet grew up on a farm and loved all things agriculture. Her specialty of capturing livestock and farm life through photography was one of her favorite hobbies. However, her greatest passion was for her husband and children. She was active in her church, Antioch Church of Christ, and was a 1993 Graduate of Spearsville High School. Velvet was the Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Farmerville and also the photographer for Ag Trader USA. She loved serving her community as President of the Union Youth Livestock Club; as Treasurer for D'arbonne Range Riders; as an Area Representative for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Women's Committee; as a Board Member of Union Parish Farm Bureau; and as a former committee member of the Union Parish Relay for Life.
Velvet was an inspiration and a mentor to others who were battling cancer. She also completed the Master Cattleman's Program and the Master Horseman's Program through the LSU Ag Center.

Velvet is survived by her husband, Johnny, and children, Dusty and Savanah; parents, John Van and Donnette Bennett, and Joe and Sue Futch; and in-laws Darrell & Clara Mason, all of Spearsville, LA; siblings Brittany (Chance) Canterberry; Avery (Jerome) Wilson; Cody (Jenny) Bennett; Dana (Randy) Alexander; and Blair Bennett; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by countless other family and friends. Velvet was preceded in death by grandparents, John Coy and Gladys (Sue) Bennett of Spearsville; O.G. and Eula Lazenby of Bernice; Calvin and Gaye Wainwright of Farmerville; and Joe R. and Marie Futch of Spearsville; as well as a niece, Nichole Roberts, of Camden, AR.

Pallbearers are: Brad Risinger, Ben Barnes, Chris Taylor, Marty Mason, Alex Mason, and Jason Holmes.

Honorary Pallbearers are: John Milam, James Ingram, Scotty Aulds, Mayor Stein Baughman, and Mazion Pepper.

Visitation and services will be held at Antioch Church of Christ in Spearsville under the direction of Farrar's Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Friday, November 2, 2018 from 5-8 PM. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 10:00 AM with burial following in the Antioch Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, it is Velvet's wish that donations be made to one of the following: Antioch Cemetery Fund (133 Boundary Rd, Spearsville, LA 71277); Union Youth Livestock Club (P.O. Box 6, Farmerville, LA 71241); or directly to one of Velvet's fellow warriors fighting cancer: Michael Elliott or Sheri Taylor.

There are no words for our family to express our appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from our local community during Velvet's illness.
The family would also like to thank the staff at Reeves Memorial Medical Center, Willis Knighton Hospital, and M.D. Anderson Hospital for the care and compassion they showed to us during this difficult time. Special thanks to Dr. Destin Black and Dr. Anil Veluvolu.

While our hearts are heavy, our comfort is found in knowing that Velvet's greatest victory is found in the arms of Jesus. Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55, 57