Rhonda Smith Benetto

Rhonda Smith Benetto, age 54, peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She was born on May 22, 1965 in Cleveland, Tennessee. She graduated with honors from Bradley Central High School, and earned her Associate’s Degree in Nursing at Cleveland State Community College. Upon earning her Associate’s from CSCC, she was given the Nursing Award signifying she was the most outstanding student in the department. She achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Rhonda enjoyed collecting seashells, watching dolphins, and going to see musicals. Most of all though, she significantly adored spending time with her family, and had a passion for taking care of others. Her skills in the Nursing field allowed her to heal many, and further inspired her to continue to enhance her knowledge in medicine. She cared deeply for everyone she encountered, and tended to them by listening and always showing them love. Rhonda had a keen sense of knowing when someone was in need, and her generosity touched the lives of many.

She is survived by her husband, Terry Benetto; 2 sons, Lebron Lackey III and Samuel Russell Lackey; granddaughter, Charlotte Ryn Lackey; grandson, Theo Samuel Lackey; mother, Annette Parker; 2 sisters, Venda Burgess and La’Ree Sharpe; stepfather, Ronald G. Parker; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and lifelong friends who loved her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask for donations to be made to St.Jude’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 9, 2019 at Companion Funeral Home from 4-7 PM with a memorial service to begin at 7:00 PM and conclude at 8:00 PM. You are encouraged to share a memory of Rhonda and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home is honored to assist her family with these arrangements.