Sarah Bender

Sarah Laverne Bender, 77, of New Bern, died Sunday, May 15, 2016 at CarolinaEast Medical Center. She graduated from Guilford College, Greensboro, NC and went on to become a teacher at Charles McCrary School in Asheboro and Ben Quinn School in New Bern.

She was predeceased by her parents, Aster and Lula Brady and daughter, Toni Lynn Byrd preceded her in death in 2007.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Neil Bender of New Bern, sons; Mike Bender and wife Bridget; Dale Bender and his wife Ekaterina, and daughter Reiko Young and her husband, Reagan, and a sister, Audry Smith and her husband Ray. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Carr, Mary Dale, Fred, and Leann.

The family would like to thank Hazel Ann, Clara Ann, and Natalie for all of the ways they were able to show their love, and support to Sarah and her family.

Memorial services are to be held at Cotten Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 7 pm with Dr. Sharon Bender officiating. A visitation is scheduled from 5-7 prior to the service. Graveside Service Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 4pm, at Neighbor’s Grove United Melodist Church Cemetery in Asheboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Back Pack Blessings at P.O. Box 1675, New Bern, NC 28563 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1015 Ashes Dr. # 101, Wilmington, NC 28405.

Arrangements under the direction of Cotten Funeral Home, New Bern, NC.