Spencer Lee Bennett

Spencer Lee Bennett was born on July 24, 1957, in Anderson, South Carolina, to Marthella Bennett. At just 16 months old, he and his mother relocated to Sacramento, California, to live with his grandfather, Spencer Bennett.

Spencer attended Holy Angels Elementary School, where he received his First Communion, he proudly graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1975.

Spencer was a hardworking man whose strong work ethic began at an early age. From mowing lawns and picking tomatoes as a teenager to working at Kentucky Fried Chicken during high school, he never shied away from honest work and always found a way to get the job done.

He built a distinguished 34 year career at the Sacramento Bee, beginning as a security guard and steadily rising to the role of Advertising Service Clerk, a position he held with dedication until his illness.

Spencer loved dogs, music, and sports. He cherished his beloved dogs Charlie, Precious, Nina, and Brandy, enjoyed artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, War, Tower of Power, Santana, and Chicago, and faithfully cheered on the Carolina Panthers, Oakland A’s, and San Francisco Giants.

In December 1984, Spencer met the love of his life, Okson. Their first date in February 1985, was a dinner at Kentucky Fried Chicken followed by watching Beverly Hills Cop, this marked the beginning of a beautiful journey together. They married in 1988 and spent the last 42 years side by side, building an amazing life filled with love, devotion, laughter, and happiness. Their marriage was the foundation of Spencer’s greatest joy, and together they created a home rich with family, friendship, and cherished memories.

Spencer is survived by his loving wife, Okson Bennett; his sons Ken Yates (Teresa) and Brad Yates; his grandchildren Selena (Kylan), Karissa, Brad, Kassy, Jolie and Kaelynne; his great-grandchildren Jordyn, Skylar, Ezekiel, and Kaleo; his mother Marthella Mitchell; his step-father Charles Mitchell; his sisters Debra Jones (James), Charlene Mitchell, and Charissa Scott (Eric); his nephews Jared Jones and Solomon Scott; his nieces Valencia Scott and Chloe Scott; and a host of uncles, aunts and cousins.

Spencer was preceded in death by his grandfather Spencer Bennett, his step-grandmother Rose Bennett, his grandmother Ruth Allen, his great-grandmother Mary Lou Hill, his Uncle's Terry Allen and Doug Allen, and his beloved great-grandson Koa.