Esther Jean Sanders

T H E   S T O R Y   H E R   M Y   L I F E

L O V E D   B E Y O N D   W O R D S   A N D   M I S S E D   B E Y O N D   M E A S U R E

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Esther “Jean” Sanders was born October 26, 1954, to the loving union of Tommy and Willie B. Swink (Hendrix) in Okolona, AR.  She was the youngest of three daughters. Her father Tommy Swink and sisters Esther “Bug” Barton and Dr. Frances Dokes preceded her in death.

Esther “Jean” Sanders was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church of Okolona, AR and was a 1972 graduate of Okolona High School.

Jean was a hard worker and provided a good life for her family. Jean was employed at Levi’s, Firestone, and the Arkadelphia Human Development Center from which she retired in April 2009. After her retirement, she worked for Allcare Pharmacy as a delivery driver.

Jean loved her family, and enjoyed having get-togethers. She loved “trying” to learn the latest dances and would always be seen on the dance floor “cutting a rug”. She enjoyed listening to good music and just enjoying life. Jean rarely missed an episode of Young and the Restless, or All My Children

Jean met John Sanders, and they were united in holy matrimony on July 22, 1987. They enjoyed going on trips with family and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks and supporting the Arkadelphia Badgers basketball team.

Jean leaves to cherish her memories, her beloved mother, Willie B., her husband of 32 years John, two daughters Romykia (Patrick), Johnesha (Bryan), one son Richard (Randle), nine grandchildren, Jakhiry, Zhaiven, Johnedra, Ayden, Kea’myra, Alexis, Gracie, Areal, and R.J., two great-grandchildren, Keanu and Karter, a special sister, Pamela Lucas, three nieces cherished as daughters, Kimberly (Gary), April, Tiffany (Emeal), and each of their children, one nephew, Reginald (Lisa) and their children, as well as a host of other nieces and nephews, two aunts Bertha Jean and Deborah, and one uncle James, three brother in laws, Hezy, Larry (Rosemary), Mark, three sister in laws, Angela (Fred), Lillian (Leon), and Pinella.  The Sanders family would like thank all other relatives, cousins, extended family, colleagues, classmates, and friends. A very “special” thank you to her cousin Brenda Winfrey for providing her with delicious meals, friend’s Pamela Lucas for traveling with her to every Dr.’s appointment and treatment, Lillian Ball, Leon Delamar, and Tammy Farr for sitting with her when needed or providing assistance.

Submitted by the Sanders Family 

A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T 

The family wishes to express with grateful appreciation all of the condolences and acts of kindness shown to us during our time of bereavement. Special thanks to Genesis Cancer Center Dr. Muldoon and nursing staff, Arkadelphia, AR, Willis Knighton Cancer Center in Shreveport, LA Dr. Wang and nursing staff, and Arkansas Hospice and nursing staff, Williams Funeral Home for the excellent services provided, First Baptist Church of Okolona members and staff,  St. Paul A.M.E. Church members and staff, Rev. Kyle Jones, Rev. and Mrs. Alvin Newburn, Rev. John A. Hill, Rev. and Mrs. Tom W. Scott, other ministers and clergy, Antoine Community Choir, Mrs. Phyllis Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Middleton, Mrs. Ollie Litt,  Mr. Brandon Middleton, Okolona Community Center staff, and many others. We thank God for you. May he continue to bless and keep each of you.

  The Family of Mrs. Esther “Jean” Sanders

Active pallbearers will be the Arabian Knights Society, Sammy Gatlin and  Bradford Bragg. Honorary pallbearers will be Hezy Barton, Jakhiry Dixon, Emeal Hogg, Richard Sanders, Leon Delamar, Fred Middleton, Patrick Nelson and Kenny Hamlin. The floral attendants will be  Eva Hill, Stephanie Thomas, Alvern Thomas, Claretta Newborn, Edna Newburn, Lottie Hamlin and Tammie Farr. Honorary floral attendants will be Zhaiven Nelson, Pamela Lucas, all nieces, and the ladies of the Okolona Class of 1972.