Helen Sanders

Helen O’Neil Sanders, daughter of the late Davis and Eva (Thames)  was born October 17, 1942 in Carthage, Mississippi.  She attended public schools of Hinds County and  a 1960 graduate of Lanier High School in Jackson, MS. 

At an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was an active member of Morning Star Baptist Church and Bethlehem Center.  Helen moved to Evanston, IL. In 1963  where she met the love of her life, Donald Rudolph (Rudy) Sanders. They united in holy matrimony August 30, 1965.  The union was blessed with three children, Robert (Gene, deceased), Pamela D. Body (deceased) and Charlotte.

Helen worked for Encyclopedia Britannica as a film technician for 35 years until she retired. She returned to work to Chase Bank for an additional 5 years.

Helen became a member of Ebenezer AME Church in 1965, where she was a dedicated member of the gospel choir;  served on the Grant Missionary Society

Helen loved gospel music, singing,  and was an excellent cook. She also enjoyed reading, brain teaser type puzzles and received several trophies for bowling.  She was a warm and gentle spirit,  who was friendly and loved to laugh and help others whenever she could.  She also enjoyed traveling to family reunions, where she always enjoyed catching up with family; cruises and vacations. Usually, quiet and reserved Helen was also a prankster who got terrifically tickled, hearing one scream from something she’d done to surprise the unsuspecting.   She had a welcoming spirit that loved the Lord, always dropping  knowledge, pearls of wisdom and reminding to do the right thing because it’s the right thing  to do, and because Jesus sees everything.

Helen, affectionately known as “Honey”,  peacefully made her transition to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at  11:5pm, with her  husband at her side and surrounded by family.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory, her adoring husband of 53 years, Donald Rudolph (Rudy) Sanders,  sister,  Callie Louise DeJohnette; daughter, Charlotte; grand children,  Antwan Sanders (Leslie Brown);  Kylie Plastique; Nicholas Brownlee; Brianne Brownlee (Charlotte); Roquelle Sanders (Gene); Thurman Body; Valencia Gore; Brian Body; Javetta Body (Pamela); great grand children, Makayla Gore; Michael Gore (Valencia); Sade Dion; Alea Kaei; Rylie Noel (Thurman), Jayden Sanders; Jaxton Sanders (Antwan) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director

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