Mary Auman Sanders

1935 - 2025

Mary Auman Sanders

April 28, 1935 - September 26, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - Mary Auman Sanders, age 90, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. Born on April 28, 1935, in High Point, NC, Mary was the daughter of the late Jason Reid and Mary Woolen Auman. She was predeceased by a week by her husband of 69 years, Donald Clayton Sanders. Mary was devoted to her family, friends, and community.

Mary graduated from Lowes Grove High School in Durham, NC, and received her bachelor's degree from Duke University. Later, while raising her four children, she earned her master's degree in education from UNC-Charlotte. She married Don in 1956. They moved to Charlotte in 1960 for Don's work and remained for the next 65 years.

Mary and Don began their family in 1958 and had four children. She served as homemaker and then as the central hub for her growing extended family. Organizer and hostess of annual holiday gatherings and summer weeks at the beach or in their mountain cabin, she worked selflessly in the background making sure everyone felt comfortable and cared for.

Mary worked as an elementary school reading specialist, and volunteered often including with Crisis Assistance, as a voting precinct judge, as a reading coach, and with Dilworth United Methodist Church ministries. Long-term faithful commitment characterized her community involvement. She was also known for her basketry passion and skill.

Mary was always available and quick with a warm and embracing smile. Humble about her own accomplishments, she always celebrated others' successes. She nurtured and kept lifelong friends.

Mary is survived by her four children, Clayton Sanders, Kendall Kirkland, Stewart Sanders, and Susannah Winiski, and their spouses; her nine grandchildren and their spouses; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Sarah Holmes, and one brother, Jason Auman; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her grandson, Joel Sanders.

Mary quietly spoke love and loudly enacted it. A measure of her impact is how she made all she encountered feel better about themselves. Her genuine interest in others elevated them. And elevates us today.

A joint memorial service celebrating Mary's and Don's lives will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory can go to Crisis Assistance Ministry of Charlotte.

Please refer to Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service's website for a more comprehensive obituary.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.