Obituary of Laura S. Bentley

Age 78 of Lebanon, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012. Preceded in death by father Carson Vaughn. Survived by husband of 56 years, Bill Bentley; mother, Sue Vaughn; brother, Bobby Vaughn; children, Micky Bentley and Marty Bentley; daughter-in-law, Rhea Anne Bentley; grandchildren, Scott Bentley, Steven Bentley, Jessica Bentley, Emily Bentley, and Ryan Bentley. Mrs. Bentley was a graduate of Lebanon High School and attended Nashville Business School. From 1951 to 1959, she served as Administrative/Executive Assistant for various companies. From 1959 to 1967, Laura dedicated her life to raising her family. In 1967, Mrs. Bentley started as a part time secretary at the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. She became the 13th Executive Director in 1970 where she actively served for 23 years. During that time, Mrs. Bentley served on the Industrial Development Board of Wilson County, the Wilson County Citizens Advisory Group on Economic Development, Joint Economic and Community Development Board of Wilson County, the Wilson County Intergovernmental Advisory and Planning Committee, the Greater Nashville Tourism Committee, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, the Middle Tennessee Chamber Directors, the Four Lakes Regional Industrial Development Association, the Tennessee Association of Business, the Lebanon High School Task Force, the United Way, the Vision 2000, the Wilson County Fair Board, and the Homecoming '86 Committee. Mrs. Bentley was an active member and Sunday School teacher in the Baptist church, most recently at West Haven Baptist church. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 15th, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sellars Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 16th, 2012 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Sellars Funeral Home. Pastor Tom Henry and Dr. Jonathan Richerson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or to West Haven Baptist Church.