lula mae bester bender
1923-1992
Life Story
Early Life and Family
Lula Mae Bester Bender was born on July 9, 1923, in Jasper County, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Willis Bester (1902–?) and Emma Jordan Bester (1904–?). During her early years, Lula Mae worked as an unpaid family worker, contributing to the household economy in keeping with the rural labor patterns common to African American families in the region.
Marriage and Family
By 1950, Lula Mae was married to Willie Bender (1919–?), and the couple was living in Montrose, Jasper County, Mississippi. Their household included the following children:
- Mamie Lee Bender (born 1941)
- Sylvester V. Bender (born 1943)
- Inez Bender (born 1945)
- Dorothy Jean Bender (born 1947)
- Jenette Bender (born 1949)
Together, Lula Mae and Willie Bender raised their family during a period marked by limited economic opportunities and persistent racial inequality, relying heavily on family labor and mutual support.
Later Years and Death
Lula Mae Bester Bender passed away on January 7, 1992. She was laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, where many members of the surrounding community are also buried.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
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