Mary Sanders

Mary Elizabeth (Allen) Sanders took flight with the wings of the morning on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 5:45 a.m., entering into eternal rest. Born on November 20, 1934, in Huntington, West Virginia, she moved to Columbus, Ohio during her childhood with her parents, Robert Allen and Elizabeth Gertrude (Torain) Allen, along with her baby sister, Ginger Bob (Allen) Harris. While she traveled extensively across the nation, Columbus remained her beloved home.

It was in Columbus that she met her beloved husband, Rev. Theodore Richard Sanders, with whom she lovingly raised a family of seven natural and two adopted daughters and three of their grandchildren. Their home was always open, welcoming any child in need of mentorship or encouragement. Together, they nurtured a large and loving family that grew to include 138 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her devoted husband, Theodore, her caring parents, Robert and Elizabeth, and five cherished grandchildren: Darius Alexander Toney, Destiny Jenita Allen, Destiny Angel Allen, Aiden Allen, and Ashton Walker.

She is survived by her sister, Ginger Bob Harris, daughters Ginger Tonita Allen, Roberta Sue Allen, Paula Jean Allen, Cassandra (Lawrence) Freeman, Theresa (Scott) Wallington-Tipton, Tersa (George) Leigh, and Elizabeth Sanders Towns. Daughters-in-love, Marie (Gerald) Hawkins, and Jemetria Lipscomb, son-in-love Vance Johnson and godson, Darien “Joey” Coleman, closely loved nieces Tina Harris and Alisa (Valentine) Mbinakar, and a host of other well-loved nieces and nephews; she is also survived by her 3 generations of grandchildren (see insert); and a host of loving family members, and special friends, including Ms. Juanita Bivens, Venita Payne, Timothy Travis, and Susie Corpening.

Mary, who retired from Riverside Methodist Hospital in 1997, was not only a dedicated healthcare worker but also a talented licensed cosmetologist. Her hair shop was a place where transformations went beyond hairstyles; it was a space where women were empowered, friendships were strengthened, wisdom was shared, parenting challenges were collectively addressed, and community activism took root.

A devout member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Mary was a missionary who initiated a food pantry at her home church during the 1980s. This pioneering effort is the predecessor of today's community pantries. Inspired by her early days of advocacy, including marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she continued to support human rights throughout her life. Her commitment to service remained unwavering until her final days.

Mary was deeply cherished by her church and community for her enduring contributions. A lifetime member of Praise Temple CME Church, she played a pivotal role in the partnership with Beatty Park Elementary and, more recently, Valor Academy. Even a month before her last hospitalization, she was actively involved in delivering prom dresses and planning back-to-school initiatives.

Mary was the spirited leader among her siblings and cousins growing up in Huntington. She fondly recounted tales of their adventures, subtly omitting that she was often the guiding force behind their escapades. This nurturing spirit extended well into her adulthood; she frequently visited her Aunt Odessa in West Virginia until she got her moved to Ohio and kept a watchful eye on "the boys"—11 of her 13 cousins.

One of her proudest moments came recently when she attended the 100th anniversary of the church where she grew up, celebrated by her cousin, Dr. Rev. C. W. Dunning.

Mary's lifelong commitment to caring for others and maintaining strong familial bonds defined her as much as her activism and professional achievements. She mentored, loved, and impacted the lives of countless individuals. Mary was, and will always be remembered as, the matriarch of our family—a servant, caregiver, encourager, and forthright leader whose legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Parkview United Methodist Church, 344 South Algonquin Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43204. Funeral Services will be held immediately afterwards and burial to process to Union Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio.