Nettie Sanders
Heaven gained an angel, our angel, our mother, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, Nettie O. Sanders, age 91, of Hot Springs.
She was born in a covered wagon on Aug. 14, 1930, in Sweetwater, Texas, one of 13 children, to Chester T. Harris and Ozy Price Harris. On May 31, 1953, she married her childhood sweetheart, first love, and lifetime soulmate and husband of 67 years, the Rev. Billy B. Sanders, who preceded her in death on Feb. 7, 2021. She is also preceded in death by her parents.
Nettie was of the Church of God faith. She was a lady of little words, incredible patience, strong, with a heart the size of Texas! Mother grew up with kerosene lights, outdoor plumbing, and making a lot out of very little. She lived through the Great Depression and World War II, witnessed the first man walking on the moon, talking on party lines to cellular phones and invention of computer technology.
Mother and dad, Preacher Sanders, loved God and devoted their lives to God. They lived in Sweetwater and Lubbock, Texas, and Hot Springs, Ark., heeding God’s call and serving as pastors of Oaklawn Church of God and Jessieville Church of God. Her heart and house were always open, with a warm meal and a big smile. She was loved by many, but her biggest love was her family. Mother has left an eternal emptiness in our hearts, but heaven is full with mom along the side of daddy.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Cathy Sanders, of Sunshine, and Derrell and Nancy Sanders, of Coal City, Ill.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Russell Gorman, of Hot Springs, and Della and Ming Lertpenmaeta, of Winston, Ga.; nine grandchildren and spouses, Chad and Brittany Sanders, Josh and Lea Anna Sanders, Derrell and Gina Sanders, Kevin Sanders, Laurern and Joe Tomiello, Blair and Jessica Bates, Dana Bates, Edmund and Megan Jaskiewicz, and Keith Lertpenmaeta; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, with Pastor Blair Bates officiating in the Davis-smith Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs.
Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at 10-11 a.m., prior to the service. Pallbearers will be her family. A special heartfelt thank you goes to Jessica Bates for her loving care of our mother, it will never be forgotten.
Guest registry is at https:// www.davis-smith.com.