Lisa Cox Sanders

Lisa Cox Sanders (4/1/1959 - 7/10/2020) concluded her 4+ year ovarian cancer journey with bravery, grace and a positive attitude that was an inspiration to many.  Lisa was an adored wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin and "Lili" to her 3 grandchildren.   Furthermore she was an admired and respected colleague, client, advisor, friend, neighbor and patient.   She was born in Loris, SC.  She is survived by her mother Dorothy "Mimi" Cox and sister Rhonda Strickland (Larry) of Rocky Point, NC, son Brett Buehler (Kristin) of Queens, NY, daughter Stacey Pinkham (Richard) and their children Alexandra Fletcher, Lucy Pinkham and Dixon Pinkham of Wilmington, niece Laura Strickland and nephew Brandon Strickland of the area and husband Bob Sanders of their home in Leland, NC in addition to countless cousins, aunts and uncles nationwide.   Her final words to the loved ones at her side were "love you,".  She is predeceased by her father David Linwood Cox formerly of Tabor City, NC.  

Lisa was a 1977 graduate of New Hanover HS in Wilmington.   Professionally, she held various jobs before settling on a very successful career in real estate sales and related investment.   She worked for several home builders in both Wake and New Hanover Counties helping hundreds of families design and build their dream homes -- including her own many times.   A somewhat restless soul, she loved finding properties, improving them and then starting it all over again.   She was passionate about many things but most notably, her aforementioned 2 children and 3 grandchildren and her numerous faithful canine companions, most recently Lilly (now 15).  Prior to her illness she actively supported dog rescue organizations as well as fostering dogs temporarily until they found their forever families.  She also loved gardening and had an almost encyclopedic knowledge of plant varieties.  Furthermore, she loved genealogical history; recreation to her often included strolling through historic cemeteries.   This passion started in early childhood.   For this reason, she was ecstatic when in 2019 she was able to secure her final resting place in Oakdale Cemetery’s Historic Section -- a place she often visited, even as a child and knew she wanted to be buried someday.   Recent passions included traveling with her husband Bob in their travel trailer and touring national parks and the like.   Their dream of visiting every US State and Canadian province was only half fulfilled.

Per her wishes, private graveside services will be conducted by Andrews Mortuary.  There will be no wake or public visitation.   This was so that her vast network of friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and clients would not have to face a difficult decision in light of Covid19.   She never liked being the center of attention, even now.   Opportunities for a potential memorial service will be reconsidered in the future.  Honorary pallbearers are son Brett Buehler, dear family friend Jack Slone, nephew Brandon Strickland, brother-in-law Larry Strickland, son-in-law Richard Pinkham and husband Bob Sanders or his brother Paul Sanders.  

Finally, her family would like to acknowledge the many people that helped her in recent years.  This includes the staff at Zimmer Cancer Center at NHRMC (Dr. Walter Gajewski and many infusion nurses), Lower Cape Fear -- Life Care (home hospice), specifically nurse Kateri and also nurse Amanda from Liberty Home Health Care for their exceptionally gentle and compassionate care in recent weeks.   If considering condolences in her honor in the form of flowers, consider live plants vs. cut flowers so that they remain a lasting and growing legacy.