Sandra Sanders

On December 28, 1947, God gave O.W. and Elizabeth (McCray) Sanders a very precious gift a baby girl that they named Sandra Laverne Sanders. On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, God sent his angels to escort his child home to him. Sandra was born on December 28, 1947, in Tifton, Georgia. When she was very young, the family relocated to South Bend, Indiana. She was the oldest of eight children.

Sandra received her formal education in the South Bend Community School Corporation. Through much determination and dedication, she received her high school diploma in June 2020 from Pennway School in Mishawaka, Indiana. She was employed by Home Instead as a healthcare companion a job she held close to her heart and built special relationships with all of her clients. 

She was a very dedicated member at Faith Alive (Faith Apostolic) where she served as a greeter and participated in the singles ministry. She truly loved Bishop Eddie, Pastor Jonathan, Sister Diana Miller, and the entire Faith Alive church family. Sandra was a true fashionista! Those of you that know her, know that this statement is the truth! She loved shopping for clothes. She took pride in her wigs, makeup, and clothes that she wore. She knew when she stepped out that she would have all eyes on her.

Sandra leaves to cherish her memories, two sons that were truly the loves of her life: Reginald Sanders Sr. and Antoine “Doc” (Cheryl Newbill) Sanders of South Bend, Indiana. Also two special sons: Pierre Mosley and Larry Marley Jr. of East St. Louis, Missouri. Four sisters: Linda Sanders, Betty (Andre) Bridges, Margaret (Ben) Miles of South Bend, Indiana, and Linda S. Sanders of Wichita, Kansas. Special sisters: Barbara Poindexter, Dianne Gammage, Helen Martin, Nehoma McKnight-Glass, Lou Burnette, Shirley Charles, Ruth Reese, Elois (Peaches) White, Flora Hairston-Samuels, Fay Bridges, Stephanie Bridges, and Vanessa Hill. Three brothers: Andrew (Gloria) Sanders, Donald (Schmeca) Sanders, of South Bend, Indiana, Dewayne Sanders, Atlanta, Georgia. Special brothers: Thomas Brown, Orlando “Jackie” Woods, Alex Watson of South Bend, Indiana. Uncle, Alton Sanders of South Bend, Indiana; aunt Rosalee Smith of Tifton, Georgia. Special daughter, Dee Dee Lenior; and goddaughter Sandra Laverne McCoy of South Bend, Indiana. Nine grandchildren: Taneka Markham, Brittany Sanders, Reginald Sanders II, Khiry Dozier, Bria Williams, Antonio Sanders, Ashton Sanders, Zane Sanders, and Kaleya Johnson. Eleven great-grandchildren that were the apples of her eye: Isiah, Icys, Shimiyia, Eylilyjah, Ma’Layshia, A.J, King, Amir, Dailyn, Landon, Preston and many other extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, O.W and Elizabeth McCray Sanders; sister, Ola Lee Sanders; and brother, James “Buck”Sanders. Aunts: Leola Sanders, Minnie Shaw, Evelyn McCray, Charlie Mae Sanders, Georgia Alexander, Eleanor Walker; uncles: John, James Sr., Eddie, Curtis, Curlie Sr., Melvin and Minor Sanders. Paternal grandparents, Rev. Minor and Minnie Sanders; maternal grandparents Waldo and Harvey McCray.

A special thank you to Dr. Rafat, Dr. Ansari, Brandi Flagg NP, and the entire staff at Michiana Hematology Oncology. 

San will be truly missed but will live on forever in our hearts. This is not goodbye it’s “We will see you later”.