Elizabeth Moye Bender, affectionately known to her friends and family as “Bett,” passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 13 at 11:00 A.M. in the Davisboro United Methodist Church with internment immediately following the service at the Davisboro City Cemetery. Reverend Ron Dixon will officiate. Pallbearers will be James Francis, Adam Lord, Chris McCoy, Clark Moye, Richard Moye, and Brayden Walters.
Born in Davisboro, Georgia on February 4, 1924, to the late Lonnie J. Moye, Sr. and Vesta Wommack Moye, Elizabeth was a member of the “Greatest Generation.” After graduating high school, she moved to Columbus, Georgia and attended business school. When the United States entered World War II, she worked at Fort Benning as a part of their war efforts. Following the war, she settled into her roles of wife, mother, and homemaker. In 1962, Elizabeth returned to Davisboro and became involved in her community and childhood church, the Davisboro United Methodist Church. Having previously been a high school basketball standout, she was asked to coach the Davisboro Elementary Girls Basketball teams. She coached them to 1st place in the County Tournament during the 1962 – 1963 season. Elizabeth was an avid bridge player and helped establish the Bridge Club of Davisboro. She was a mentor to many young women in Washington County, teaching them to proficiently play the game. Elizabeth was a member of the Davisboro Women’s Club and the Davisboro Fire Department Auxiliary. She loved her childhood church and assumed many positions, including, Methodist Youth Fellowship leader, choir member, and Vacation Bible School teacher. She was also an active member of the United Methodist Women. Elizabeth is proceeded in death by infant son, Carey Bender, infant daughter, Joann Bender, and granddaughter, Dawn M. McNally. She was also preceded in death by infant siblings, Mary Agnes Moye, Helen Moye, and Dorothy Moye; and adult siblings, Lonnie J. Moye, Jr., Valeria M. Pate, Harriett M. Francis, Edith M. McCoy, and Daniel C. Moye.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy McNally of Brasleton, Jan Jordan and her husband Larry, and Joy Norris and her husband Wayne, both of Sandersville; grandchildren, Elizabeth Walters, Carla Czentnar, Travis Jordan, Ariail Roberts, Patrick Norris, and Emily Norris, eight great-grandchildren; and long-time caregivers, Ray Dean Archer, Betty Yorker, Christine Farmer, and Sheila Washington.
The family is would like to express their gratitude to the staff of PruittHealth Hospice and the staff of the Washington County Extended Care Facility for their recent care.
The family suggest donations be made to the Davisboro United Methodist Church 2501 Highway 15 North, Sandersville, Georgia 31082.
The family will receive friends on Monday, July 12, from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M at the May and Smith Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.