Dianne Jones Bentley graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in bacteriology.
She met Governor Robert Bentley during his first year of medical school and they married
in July of 1965.
At the conclusion of the Governor’s military service, the Bentley’s settled in Tuscaloosa,
where he started his dermatology practice. They are members of First Baptist Church and
Mrs. Bentley spent 28 years teaching Sunday School. She also facilitated a women’s Bible
study for 30 years; this group of women continue to serve as faithful prayer warriors.
In her spare time, she worked with her local quilter’s guild and they produced products
that were shown throughout the state. Each year they would also pick a service project
so that their work would positively impact local communities.
The Bentley’s have four sons, three daughters-in-law and six granddaughters. Two of
their sons are adopted, but they have been loved so long no one remembers which two.
Mrs. Bentley has chosen to support foster care as First Lady and hopes that the people
of Alabama will consider adoption. It is important that all children in Alabama have
a forever home and a family to share their life with. It is her passion to visit Alabama’s
youth and look for ways to make a difference in their lives.
She also promotes awareness for domestic violence prevention and Family Justice Centers.
As an advocate for healthy marriages and families, Mrs. Bentley strives to help every victim
feel supported and loved. If people know what resources are available they are able to make
healthy choices. Alabamians, if they stand together, can end this cycle of violence. As a part
of this effort, Mrs. Bentley has joined with Verizon Wireless to support HopeLine. This program
collects no longer used cell phones and turns them into life-lines for victims. Any phone or
accessory can be used and turned in to your local Verizon store.
If Mrs. Bentley can be remembered for one thing as First Lady, she hopes that the people of
Alabama will remember her stand for Christ. After all, the Bentley’s feel that they have been
called “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) and always strive to remain in God’s will.
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