Mayola Marie Bender

1947 - 2025

Mayola Marie Bender, 78, of Sacramento, CA, passed peacefully on July 9, 2025. She was born April 23, 1947, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, to Clarence Crawford Sr. and Maeola Ray Crawford, one of fourteen children. Mayola earned her undergraduate degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah Oklahoma and a Master's in Nutrition from UCLA Extension program. She taught Food Nutrition and Home Economics for over 35 years at Valley High School and served as a nutritionist with the California Department of Education. She was also a passionate advocate with the California Teachers Association. She is survived by her husband, Major William T. Bender; son, Keith Mims (wife: Maria); grandchild, Taye Mims; and siblings Nadine Williams, Jerry Crawford, Geraldine Gandy, Earl Bolden, and Kenneth Bolden. Donations may be made to Saint Paul's Church in her honor. Saint Paul Church, 3996 14th Ave. Sacramento, CA 95820.