Alice M. Zanders

In Loving Memory of Alice M. Zanders
Alice M. Zanders, 89, of Gary, Indiana, gained her wings on December 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her bedside. With a radiant smile, she bid farewell, reminding each of us of her enduring love. Born on September 16, 1936, in Auburn, Alabama, Alice lived a life marked by kindness, faith, and devotion to her family and church. She was the daughter of the late Charlie Lenoir and Louise Love and the second eldest of six children. At the age of 18, Alice moved to Gary,
Indiana, where she graduated from Tolleston High School in 1954. In 1957, Alice met the love of her life, Maurice Zanders, and they were united in holy matrimony on January 27, 1958. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four children: Andre (Sonya) Zanders, Maurice Zanders Jr., Marie (Joey) Lathan, and Toshemia Zanders. She also lovingly embraced a bonus daughter, Vickie Tolbert. Alice dedicated her career as an Assistant School Nurse in the Gary Public Schools, where she inspired generations of students with her compassion and care. In September 1964, she gave her life to Christ under the leadership of Elder Joseph Price of Christ Temple on 11th Avenue. Later, Christ Temple was renamed St. Jude Church of God in Christ, where Alice served faithfully as Head Missionary and Evangelist. She later moved her membership to Wheaton Christian Center on 36th Broadway under Pastor Carlton Arthur. The church was later renamed Gary Christian Center (GCC) under Pastor Charlie Jones, where Alice remained a devoted member until Pastor Jones’s transition. From that moment forward, Alice became the matriarch of her family—a woman of deep faith who immersed herself in the Word of God, shared wisdom freely, and always listened with an open heart. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her love for God, her generosity, and her elegant sense of style. Alice enjoyed swimming at the YWCA in Gary, where she proudly learned to swim at the age of 70. She touched countless lives and encouraged many to dedicate themselves to Christ. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Lenoir and Louise Perkins; her brother, Willie Tolbert; her sisters, Earline Fears, Nealy Hill, and Mary Ellen Ellis; and her son/nephew, Tony Perkins. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Maurice Zanders; her four children; her bonus daughter; seven grandchildren—Lakisha Zanders, Joel Preston, Darvel Moore, Carmalita (Travis) Tate, Donnita (Joe) Francis, Rhonda Garmon, and DeAndre’ Zanders—along with numerous great-grandchildren; her sisters, Louise Smith, Shirley Perkins, and Charmaine Perkins; her beloved aunt, Ozella Terry; and a host of extended family and friends. Alice’s legacy of faith, love, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her. Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11:00AM at Bethel Temple Church of God In Christ 110 W. 43rd Avenue Gary, IN. There will be NO PUBLIC VIEWING. She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to McDuffie Funeral Home. Condolences can be emailed to [email protected]