Gracie Mae Sanders

Gracie Mae Sanders, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023, at the age of 97 at Christus Trinity hospital in Tyler, TX. She was born on February 13, 1926, in the small town of Mecca, TX to loving parents, Jake Raymond and Lilla Mae (Morgan) Cole.

Gracie dedicated her life to her family and was a devoted homemaker, creating a warm and loving environment for her daughters, Glenda Mae Bayer and Wanda Pettijohn. Gracie loved sports. In school she enjoyed playing volleyball. She often expressed the fun she had playing the game, but she didn't like that the rules had changed since she played! She also loved watching sports on television especially the Aggies and Cowboys football teams and the Houston Astros baseball team.

Gracie's journey through life was filled with simplicity and contentment. After marrying the love of her life, Morris Sanders, they began their life in Clute, TX. They later moved to Premont, TX where Morris worked for Shell Oil Company, and Gracie worked as a telephone operator.

In the early 1950's they moved to Devine, TX when Morris was transferred to the Big Foot Field. Around 1956 they moved to Pleasanton, TX where they lived for twenty-five years. While in Pleasanton, Gracie worked at a local flower shop which was next door to their home. She recently shared a story about being left in charge when the owner was out of town. Gracie was called upon to design a casket piece for a funeral. She had never made one on her own, but evidently had watched and learned because it turned out really well. She was very proud of that accomplishment.

After Morris retired in 1981, they moved back to their roots when he took a job with Daleco Resources in Bryan, TX. In 1985, they built a home in the country near where Gracie had grown up. Many hours were spent on the back porch enjoying the view of the pasture and watching the cows and calves. After Morris passed away in 2008, Gracie continued to live there until she moved to Alvin to live with Wanda and Sonny in 2015.

The best thing about her move to Alvin was that she got to spend more time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She could be there for birthdays and holiday celebrations. In 2020, after Wanda and Sonny retired, she moved with them to Frankston, TX where she enjoyed the lake views and watching the ducks and geese.

Gracie was preceded in death by both of her parents; husband, Morris Glen Sanders; brothers, Manuel Cole, John Cole, Kenneth Ray Cole and Leon Cole; and sisters, Mavis Cole-Boswell and Nelva Cole-Pratt. She is survived by her daughters, Glenda Sanders Bayer of Kirby, Texas and Wanda Sanders Pettijohn (Sonny) of Frankston, Texas; grandchildren, Shanna Pettijohn Auer (Glen) of Flint, Texas and Ned Pettijohn of Memphis, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Auer and Jackson Auer of Flint, Texas and Edgar Pettijohn and Cora Pettijohn of Memphis, Tennessee; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

On September 29, 2023, a gathering will be held at Willowhole Chapel to honor Gracie's life. A visitation will be held at 10 A.M., followed by a funeral service at 11 A.M., officiated by Bro. Glenn Connor of Elwood Baptist Church. As we come together to remember her, may we find comfort in the fond memories we shared and the impact she had on our lives.

Gracie will be laid to rest at the Willowhole Cemetery, a place that holds a special significance for her and her loved ones. It is here where she will find eternal peace beside her husband, Morris.

Gracie Sanders will forever live on in our hearts, her spirit serving as a constant reminder of the power of love, compassion, and resilience. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy of kindness and love of family will continue to inspire generations to come.

Pallbearers: John Cole, Brad Cole, David Cole, Troy Morris, Sonny Pettijohn, Glen Auer, Terry Sanders

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.