The Life and Legacy of Shirley Jean Sanders

There is a beautiful journey awaiting us all, an adventure that is brave and free. On a ship that sails swiftly and surely along, to a harbor our eyes cannot see. There our loved one enjoy only peace and content. There soft winds bring the balmiest winter, and those who’ve sailed on, wait for those left behind knowing someday we will all be together.

Shirley Jean Sanders, the fourth child and first-born girl to the parentage of the late Herman Sanders, Sr. and Joycie L. Sanders, was born on February 10, 1938. She departed this earthly life on June 30, 2026.

Shirley, or Jean as we often called her, attended Ned E. Williams High School and graduated in the Class of 1956. She united with the Corinth Christian Church at an early age and remained faithful until her health began to decline.

She worked diligently with the mission ministry, Sunday School, and served as the announcing clerk for many years. She was also active on the culinary committee for many years, which was an easy task for her after obtaining her culinary degree from Kilgore College. Shirley was employed at several nursing facilities as head culinary chef. She was also employed at LISD and Eubank Manufacturing. With this in her background, she would prepare various meals and desserts for her home, family, and church.

Shirley was preceeded in death by her parents, Herman and Joycie Sanders; a son, Carl Wayne Sanders; three brothers, Troy (Sonny) Sanders, Herman Sanders, Jr. (Blue), and Joe Winston Sanders; one niece, Joann Sanders; and one nephew, Leonard Sanders.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory two children, Sharon (James) Webb and Charles P. Sanders, Longview, TX; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Sanders, Longview, TX; four grandchildren, Carlos Sanders, Kim (Richard) Craig , Donavon (Marissa) Webb, Longview, TX and Carmen Webb, Lewisville, TX; three great grandchildren, Montayvian Craig, Lanecia Sanders, and Alexandria Sanders, Longview, TX; two sisters, Ruby (Milton) Portley, Rose Mary (Willie) Boyd, Longview, TX; four nieces, Chaya Hutchinson, Wilma Sanders, Chelisa Moore, and Marilyn Sampson; five nephews, Gerald Sanders, Kedric Boyd, Larry C. Sanders, Milton C. Portley, II, and Earnest Ray Sanders; Sister in laws-Elmerene Sanders and Esther Lena Bates Sanders. Special cousins, Scott Bryant and Obelia Hutchins; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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