First Woman of the Jury-Wanda Bennett

First Woman of the Jury – Wanda Bennett

Wanda Bennett spent most of her career serving the public in government and elected office through volunteer work and retraining individuals for the job force. Service was her passion.

Bennett was a groundbreaker. She won her first term in public office in 1978 when she was elected to the Bossier City Council, at a time when women were seldom seen on public bodies.

Bennett was a member of the council for three terms before moving to Bossier Parish Community College to head a program that retrained individuals for the workforce.

When the parish began searching for someone to implement its 911 system, Bennett answered the call. Again, she served the people of Bossier Parish in a crucial program and helped bring what became a widely respected agency online in 2005.

Not long after the system’s successful start, Bennett received a phone call from the incumbent in Police Jury District 3 (her home district) saying he did not intend to seek reelection. He wanted someone to take his place who understood people and how the government operated. Even though her husband was seriously ill at the time, with his encouragement and support, she ran and won.

Bennett’s passion for service made it easy to address the concerns of her constituents. Even though, at times, decisions may be questioned, Bennett knew it was because residents of the district wanted the same thing: a better Bossier Parish.

And she knew the importance of listening not only to her constituents but to all who live in the parish. Her skills were recognized when she was elected to serve a term as President of the Police Jury, and the parish thrived under her leadership.

Philip Rodgers, current President of the Police Jury, followed Bennett into the District 3 seat.

“I watched Mrs. Wanda on the jury for years, and her work made me want to become a juryman,” Rodgers said. “She was always upfront and honest with me. After she retired from the jury, she supported me in my run for her seat, and I am grateful for that. She will be missed.”

Bennett believed a major reason Bossier Parish continued to grow and prosper is because the Police Jury, along with other public bodies, pulled together in the same direction for the people who live and work here.

Bill Altimus, long-time Parish Administrator, knew Bennett well before the two became partners in the progress of Bossier Parish.

“I met Mrs. Bennett while dating my wife Nelda, who was best friends with her daughter, Sherry. She was a substitute teacher at R.V. Kerr Elementary and then became the first woman to be elected to the Bossier City Council,” Altimus remembered. “She ran a good race but lost to become Mayor. Not long after, she was asked to start the parish’s 911 system, which is recognized as one of the best in the state.”

Altimus remembered Bennett as “…a first-class lady, always dressed to the nine’s and always complimentary of everyone she worked with and the public she met. She could dress down or " straighten” out someone and when they left, they were happy about the experience. A very rare skill indeed.

“She will be very much missed by those who knew her. Those who did not will enjoy in the future the great and positive things she accomplished for Bossier Parish,” he said.

Bennett lost her husband (Earnest “Bo” Bennett) to illness in 2014. She found joy in her three children (Sherry, Jeffery, and Tracy), her five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

She was comfortable knowing that each step of her career served a purpose and that each day brought an opportunity. And even in retirement, Bennett worked tirelessly for her neighbors and her parish.

Her passing leaves an enviable legacy. She helped lay the groundwork that has made Bossier Parish a better place through her service, dedication, and just plain old-fashioned hard work. She was never interested in accolades. She desired to see people succeed.