OUR TEAM

John R. Bennett – Attorney
BIOGRAPHY
John has a broad legal background. In 1972, having joined his mentor Ed Barham in the practice of law, John founded the Barham Law Firm in Valdosta, Georgia. John served as the firm’s president and managing partner for 30 years. John’s practice during this period included business planning, corporate litigation, real property transfers and litigation, and banking law. While practicing in the Barham firm, John represented numerous small businesses, in addition to serving as counsel for South Georgia Medical Center, First State Bank and Trust Company, and Valdosta Federal Savings & Loan Association. Prior to joining Ed Barham in the practice of law, John served for five years in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the United States Army.

During his 30 years with the Barham Law Firm, John engaged in traditional estate planning and probate. He became increasingly dissatisfied with the results of traditional planning, and became convinced that most traditional plans did not work. In 1998, John decided to focus his practice solely on estate planning, business planning and asset protection, and dedicated his energies to finding a more effective way to serve these clients’ goals.

In 2000, John joined the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, and quickly became one of its most active members. Through his involvement with the National Network’s Practice Builder Program, he coaches attorneys throughout the country in management of estate planning firms.

EDUCATION
University of Georgia College of Law, Juris Doctor, 1966;
Valdosta State University, Bachelor of Arts, History, 1963.

EXPERIENCE
Bennett Trust & Estate, LLC, Partner, 2007 - Present
Bennett & Morgan, LLP, Partner, 2002 - 2007;
Barham Dover Bennett Miller & Stone, P.C., 1972 - 2001, Senior Partner, 1975 - 2001, U.S. Magistrate Judge, 1977 - 1988;
U.S. Army Captain JAGC, 1966 - 1970.

LEGAL ACTIVITIES AND HONORS
National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, Bar of Georgia sections on Fiduciary Law and Elder Law, Mid South Estate Planning Forum, Licensed to practice in Georgia State and Federal Courts, and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
Valdosta Heritage Foundation; Lowndes County Historical Society; and North Valdosta Rotary Club.

PERSONAL
Born in Kansas City, MI; married, Helen Bennett; children, Christie, John, Pam; grandchildren, Max, Marie, Luke, Bennett, Oscar, and Sarah.

Marnie H. Watson – Attorney
Marnie’s experience in the legal profession began in her undergraduate years at the University of Florida where she worked in the United States Attorneys Office as a student intern. Following her graduation with a B.A. in Public Relations, Marnie returned to Gainesville to complete her law studies at the University of Florida College of Law, where she graduated Cum Laude. Marnie is currently licensed to practice law in Florida, as a member of the Florida Bar.

Prior to law school, Marnie worked in a variety of positions, including underwriting for Florida Home Builder’s Insurance Association and working on a congressional campaign. Outside the office, Marnie and her husband Byron live in Lanier County.  Their interests include music, cooking, gardening, and their Golden Retriever Boone.

Nan Stalvey – Professional Services Coordinator
Nan joined our team in 2007 after serving more than 14 years at Coastal Plains Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), which oversees the continuing education and maintenance of 11 school districts in South Georgia. Nan has lived in the Valdosta area all her life and received her degree from Valdosta State College. As our Professional Services Coordinator, Nan is responsible for making sure all services provided by the firm meet our clients’ expectations, and she keeps the team focused on providing exceptional service to everyone who enters our office. Nan is married to Tommy Stalvey, and they have two children, Martha and Mark and two granddaughters. Nan and Tommy are active members of Hahira United Methodist Church. Nan’s other interests include gardening, scrapbooking, cooking, and sewing.

Teresa J. Sisco – Settlement Coordinator and Legal Assistant
As coordinator for Estate and Trust Settlements Teresa guides clients through the settlement process in a professional and individualized way. Teresa is also responsible for reconciling and maintaining all of the firm’s financial records, handling all accounts payable and accounts receivable duties, and working with the attorneys to design and assure adherence to the firm’s spending plan. Teresa brings a wealth of financial experience to our team, including seven years in the banking industry. She has obtained continuing education in a variety of areas including accounting, funding, and settlement administration. Teresa, who is originally from Portland, Oregon, accompanied her husband Larry Sisco to the Southeast in 2001. They have two sons, Travis and Todd, and a daughter, Makayla.

Donna Rouse – Legal Assistant
As Legal Assistant, Donna's responsibilities include drafting revocable living trusts, wills and ancillary estate planning documents; preparing various probate petitions and ancillary documents; drafting various real estate deeds; setup of new companies; and legal research. Donna joined the Bennett Trust team in November 2005 with a long and impressive résumé which includes legal jobs through employers such as the United States Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, as well as working with various lawyers throughout the state of Georgia, including over five years working with John at the Barham law firm. Donna works remotely from her home outside of Atlanta. Donna and her husband Marvin are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Acworth, Geogia, where they work with fifth and sixth graders. She is also active in the church ladies' auxiliary. Donna enjoys traveling and going on mission building Trips. Her hobbies include teaching children at her church; reading extensively; writing poetry, plays and skits; cooking and sewing. Donna has one daughter, Stephanie, and four step-children, Marty, Michelle, Melissa and Wesley.

Krystin Daugherty – Funding Coordinator
As trust funding coordinator, Krystin allocates and transfers assets to clients’ trusts, serves as a liaison between clients and their financial institutions, and stays in continuous contact with clients to ensure that their assets are properly funded.

Krystin joined the team in 2008 after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Valdosta State University where she enjoyed learning about law and politics. She has lived in the Valdosta area all of her life.  Krystin is married to Chad Daugherty and has a beautiful stepdaughter named Gabriella. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and staying in close contact with friends and family.