Joann Sanders

Judith "Joann" Parrish Sanders, 81, of Valdosta returned to the Grace of our Savior Jesus Christ on February 19, 2016. For over a year, she waged a courageous battle with failing health, depending on Christ's strength in her weakness, praying diligently for His will, and using the opportunity to demonstrate her faith to those providing for her care and to her family and friends. Saved at an early age, she lived her life in service to Christ at her church, to fellow spouses in the military, and to her sisters, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joann loved Perimeter Road Baptist Church and was an active member. As long-time coordinator of the Military Ministry, she loved the opportunity to profess the love of Christ to those serving in the military. She held the men and women of the military and our veterans in highest esteem, always praising them for their sacrifice, loving their families while the military members were serving far from home, and by sending care packages to deployed personnel. Her message of service was simple: I love you, God loves you, and through His strength, He will bring us through tough times.

She worked diligently to ensure that time was set aside during worship services for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day to remember the sacrifices for our freedom and to especially remember those men and women Missing in Action. She was especially proud of the work of the Military Ministry to host luncheons honoring military members and their spouses and families. Last, she believed that ceremonies that honored the flag and that paused to pledge allegiance to that flag taught the importance that we are only a strong nation if we are in submission to Christ and are within His will.

Joann also served to coordinate flowers for worship services and to decorate the church in recognition of special holidays. She wanted the decorations to point people to the message of those holidays, being thankful for family and friends and for Christ's salvation. For her, extravagant worship of God was reflected in the beauty of floral arrangements, wreaths, and other decorations.

Before becoming a member of Perimeter Road Baptist Church, Joann served at Lee Street Baptist Church, where she was the long time teacher of the College and Career Sunday School class. She loved the opportunity to help young people build their foundation on Christ early in their lives, to remain close to Him, and like her, to one day be called home to glory with the Father. She also served with her husband, Ed, as Sunday School Directors at Lee Street and worked to bring the knowledge of Christ to all ages.

Joann was born in Valdosta on October 1, 1934 to the late Henry Franklin, Sr. and Thelma St. John Parrish. She lived in Valdosta nearly all of her life, except for military assignments in five states and in Morocco, Africa, with Ed during his 23-year career in the United States Air Force. She attended Valdosta State College, where she majored in biology and was on the synchronized swim team. After college, she briefly worked as a laboratory technician and then as a high school teacher for three years. Her students still reflect on fond memories of those days.

Joann will always be known for her grace and beauty, especially on the inside, and how she reflected God's abundant love.

Joann is survived by her four sons and three daughters-in-law, Edward and Brenda Sanders of Dallas, GA, Col. Henry and Sheila Sanders of Niceville, FL, Col. Joe and Jill Sanders of Panama City, FL, Lt. Col. Greg Sanders of Arlington, VA; seven grandchildren, Christy and TSgt. Josh Hartwell of Biloxi, MS, Victoria and Jeremy Ladd of Lawrenceville, GA, Allie and Robin Noah of Freeport, FL, Brooke and Sgt. Scott Sensanbaugher of Quantico, VA, Kyle Sanders of Naples, FL, Meredith Sanders of Panama City, FL, Anna Sanders of Panama City, FL; six great grandchildren, Dawson Ladd, Parker Ladd, Dean Sensanbaugher, Rylan Brooks Hartwell, Henry Hartwell, Brynlee Hartwell; two sisters, Gail Parrish Skiles and Elaine Parrish McMillan both of Valdosta. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband CMSgt. Edward Eugene Sanders, Sr.

Funeral Services for Joann Sanders will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Perimeter Road Baptist Church. Rev. Brian Anderson and Rev. Wayne Dorsett will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Military Ministry at Perimeter Road Baptist Church. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602