OXFORD, Mississippi - Benella Mae Albinder (Dr. Benella Oltremari) fondly known as Dr. O by those closest to her, passed away July 31, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-NM surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born September 2, 1929, in Paint Rock, Texas, to Bennie Humphries and Elva Grote Humphries. She discovered a love for the medical field shortly after high school, and traveled to Greenville to attend nursing school. She became an RN, worked at King's Daughters Hospital in Greenville, and later attended medical school at UMC in Jackson, being only one of two women in her class. She was a Pathologist in Greenville until retirement when she moved to Oxford.
Benella had a love for animals, especially cats, and was an avid reader and donated her entire library to the Elison. She loved art, music and Ole Miss football.
She is preceded in death by her late husband Martin Albinder, William (Billy) Oltremari (Debbie & Lisa's father), her parents, and her brother Ray Humphries.
She leaves behind family that will forever cherish her memory: her daughters Debbie Hayes (Brad Jackson), Dr. Lisa Chandler (Mike Bennett), her grandchildren Asa Chandler (Beth), Quinn Chandler (Chloe), Carson Chandler (Becca), Corey Griffin (Bridgette), and her great grandchildren Ava Grace Chandler, Carson Wayne Chandler, Mari Ashlyn Griffin, Carter Myers Griffin and her sister Patsy Brown (Jimmie) of Texas.
Benella was a resident at The Elison Assisted Living of Oxford, where she made a host of close friends and enjoyed dominos, bingo, and being involved in numerous committees.
The family would like to thank her many friends at the Elison for their friendship, and the staff for all their support and care. A special thank you to Conner Middleton who was Godsend to the Elison and a dear loyal friend to Dr. O. Many thanks to those at BMH-NM for their comforting care given to our mother.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude Children's hospital (https://tinyurl.com/3zhr64wx), or a Jewish charity of your choice. There will be a private burial service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.
"Do not look for me here, for I am not here; but you can feel me when the wind blows, and you can see me when the sun shines, and you can hear my laughter when the bird sings. Do not weep for me, I am everywhere." Unknown
The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Condolences may be expressed online on her Tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com.
