amanda mae bender ashford
1925-2014
Life Story
Amanda Mae Bender Ashford was a devoted matriarch and community member whose life journey carried her from the rural farmland of Newton County, Mississippi, to more than six decades of residence in Starkville, Mississippi. Born on November 7, 1925, she was the daughter of Leo Bender and his first wife, Alma Bender, and grew up during a period when agricultural labor shaped the daily lives of many families in Beat 4 of Newton County.
Early Life and Marriage
Amanda spent her childhood in the close-knit rural community of Newton County, where she was raised alongside her sister Katie Bender and her brothers in a farming household rooted in hard work and family cooperation.
By the late 1940s, Amanda entered a new chapter in her life when she married Willie Ashford. Following their marriage, the couple moved north to Starkville in Oktibbeha County, a growing college town that would remain Amanda’s home for the remainder of her life.
The 1950 Census captures a glimpse of the young couple’s early years together. Living on Cuskenon Street, Amanda was already contributing to the household economy, working as a maid for approximately twenty hours per week while managing the responsibilities of a new marriage.
Family and Career
Amanda and Willie Ashford went on to build a large and loving family. Together they raised six children:
- Bennie Ashford
- Michael Ashford
- John Milton Ashford
- Marilynn Ashford
- Sharon McKinley (née Ashford)
- Anna Skinner (née Ashford)
Amanda was widely known for her strong work ethic and her commitment to both family and community. For many years, she worked at First Baptist Church of Starkville, where she became a familiar and respected presence.
Her professional life was complemented by her deep spiritual devotion. Amanda was a faithful member of Griffin United Methodist Church, where she actively participated in the life of the congregation and remained connected to the faith traditions that had shaped her upbringing.
Later Years and Legacy
Throughout her long life in Starkville, Amanda witnessed tremendous social and economic change, yet she remained firmly rooted in her values of faith, family, and perseverance. In her later years she resided on Louisville Street and 16th Section Road, continuing to maintain strong ties with her church and community.
Amanda’s family grew to include ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, reflecting the generational legacy she helped nurture.
She passed away on December 17, 2014, in Ridgeland, Mississippi, at the age of eighty-nine. Her life was celebrated with funeral services at her beloved Griffin United Methodist Church, officiated by Reverend Eddie Lee Jones.
Amanda Mae Bender Ashford was laid to rest at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville, Mississippi.
She was survived by her six children as well as two brothers, Joe Bender and Walter Nelson Bender, leaving behind a lasting legacy of faith, resilience, and devotion to family.
Resting Place
Memorial Garden Park Cemetery, Starkville, MS
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Newspapers.com Marriage Index, 1800s-current
- U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
- The Newton Record, Mrs. Bessie Lee Bender Obituary, Wed, Jan 10, 1968 ·Page 11
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