Brenda Joan Sanders

Brenda Joan (Bonner) Sanders was born on February 1, 1949, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and bathed in love, at Linda E. White Hospice House on September 16, 2024, at approximately 9:05 a.m. Throughout her remarkable 75 years, Brenda wore many hats: daughter, sister, mother, aunt, granny, beautician, RN, seamstress, crocheter, quilter, and world traveler, to name a few. In every role, she touched the lives of those around her with boundless love, compassion, and grace. She nurtured her family with the same careful hands that crafted beauty—whether she was styling hair, stitching quilts, or preparing a home-cooked meal. Even as illness took its toll, the small hat she wore to cover her hair loss could never hide her enduring beauty or her resilient spirit.

Brenda’s life was an inspiring testament to perseverance and love. Despite not completing high school, she earned her nursing degree with honors, becoming a registered nurse who was as compassionate as she was skilled. Her patients were more than just people in need; they were treated with the same care she gave her family. This rare gift made her an exceptional presence in her field. Brenda excelled in everything she set her mind to, from sports to the countless ways she supported her loved ones. She spent many years bowling with family and on teams with her daughters, sharing both laughter and success, and making lifelong friendships along the way. Though she didn’t bowl a 300 like her brothers, she was driven and competitive, always enjoying the sport and the camaraderie. Her family, and those she embraced as family, were always the center of her world. She gave selflessly, supporting and loving with her whole heart. Through her example, Brenda taught her daughters—and many others—lessons in faith, integrity, hard work, and the importance of generosity.

In 1964, Brenda eloped with Robert Sanders, beginning an adventurous life together that included fast cars, building homes, dancing, bowling, and, above all, raising their family. Brenda and Bobby (affectionately known as "Mander" to some) raised five daughters, and each of their 15 grandchildren felt as though they were the favorite. Brenda and Bobby were always there for anyone in need, offering help without hesitation.

Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Robert Sanders; her parents, Horace (Pete) Bonner and Berta (Sue) Bonner; her siblings, Dan Bonner, Timmy Bonner, Karen Kanouse, Jeff Bonner, and Stacey Linne; as well as many cherished family members from her husband’s side. She leaves behind a brother, Terry (Annette) Bonner; sister-in-laws, Connie Bonner, Gledith Sanders, and Maxine Sanders, brother-in-law, Gabe Sanders; her five daughters: Kelly (Todd) Cline, Tabitha (Matt Neely) Inge, Kerri (Bill Goodman) Sanders Rowe, Tennille (Joe) Garrison, and Sara (Chris) Greene; grandchildren: Jordan Inge (Nicole) , Hannah Cline (De’Andre), Dalton (Kaycee) Inge, Braxton Rowe (Audrey), Alaina Inge (Jake), Hunter Cline, Jackson Sawyer (Madison), Brady Rowe (Bella), Theron Sawyer, Brant Rowe, Deacon Sawyer, Quincey Sawyer, Kyler Gammon, Haley Greene, and Brynn Greene; one great-grandson, Hendrix, with a great-granddaughter, Ellington Joan, on the way, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be Friday, September 20, 2024, 11:00 AM with Bro. Alan Ramsey officiating.  Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be Thrursday, September 19, 2024, 4:00-8:00 PM and Friday, September 20, 2024, 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Tomblinson Funeral Home, Henderson Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.