Eddie Mae Sanders

My Story – Mrs. Eddie Mae Sanders
I was born on November 20, 1949 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I was the second child born to Eddie James and Ellatrise Gamble Bass.
As a child, singing, dancing and spending time with my family was my greatest joy. I accepted Christ at an early age at Smith Chapel Baptist Church. My education came through the Pine Bluff School System.
In 1973, there was a man named Jesse Lee Sanders that kept staring at me from across the room. After a few winks and giggles, I decided to let him take me out on a date. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that we would have been together for 50 years. Jesse was more than my husband; he was my best friend.
My very first job was at Timex as a watch maker. I was also employed by Jefferson Regional Medical Center in housekeeping. I retired from Tyson after 10 years of service. After retirement, I tried to get a hobby, but shopping took up most of my time. Everybody knew that I loved my cats, especially Prissy.
I was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Accie Reynolds, Jr. is the Pastor. I served in the kitchen as needed. During the holiday season, I would take Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to the church just to put a smile on the members' faces. To make others laugh always made me smile.
I closed my eyes on Saturday, April 15, 2023 for the last time surrounded by my family. When my eyes opened again, I was welcomed into heaven by my parents and my sister, Grace Bass. There are so many people that I know will miss my physical presence, yet my memory will remain in their hearts: my beloved husband, Jesse Lee Sanders Sr., who was the love of my life; my four wonderful children: Lisa A. Smith (Little Rock, Arkansas) whom I would talk to several times a day, and boy did we have some good ole' conversations, Pamela A. Smith, (Washington, DC) who was my personal Chief of Police, Walter Lee Smith Jr. (Dallas, Texas) my oldest son, who was near and dear to my heart and Jesse Lee Sanders Jr. (Pine Bluff Arkansas) my baby boy who spent many days by my side; my 3 amazing grandchildren: Marquita Nichelle Smith, Phillip Lee Morris and Jasmine Leah Smith, whom I am so proud of; my beautiful sister, Ellatrise Price (Baby sister); my awesome in-laws: Robert (Betty) Sanders, Leon (Huyen) Sanders, Samuel Sanders, Files (Rose) Sanders; and my host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
I leave you with one thing I always said to my kids whenever we ended our phone conversations "Hey, I love you and I will talk with you later." May His peace be with each of you til we meet again.
Viewing 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Living Word Baptist Church Pine Bluff, AR by Pastor Accie Reynolds, Jr. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. Her body will lie in-state 9:15 a.m. until service time.
Obituary submitted by The Family.
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