Audrey was born in Gulfport, Mississippi on January 14, 1939. She was the cherished, only child of Mr. Robert and Mrs. Irma Nelson. Audrey grew up in the Historic Community of Turkey Creek, comprised of the descendants of emancipated African Americans and Native Americans.
She was given her first job by her father, delivering his paycheck on her bicycle from the stump removing business. Audrey spent a lot of time at the church volunteering with her Grandmother in any capacity she could, eventually she acquired another job by being in the right place at the right time. While at a restaurant in Biloxi, Audrey was asked if she wanted to be a waitress, and she said yes. This restaurant served white patrons only, on the patio and beach, and Black patrons inside. One day, while working inside, the owner approached Audrey with a different uniform and said “Hey Audrey, put this on and go outside to help serve customers on the patio and beach.” At the time, the beach was completely segregated, Negros weren’t allowed to even serve white patrons! Audrey was the first Black person to to work Biloxi beach or any other beach in Mississippi.
Audrey graduated from Turkey Creek High School, married Ernest Sanders, and continued building a varied résumé, acquiring knowledge and skills, utilizing them to serve her ever growing community while relocating across the country with her Air Force husband and family (South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, California, Ohio, Washington and Oregon). Most of her work was voluntary, or for nominal pay.
Audrey served as a consultant for Amway, Copper Craft, and Tupperware. She worked as a Dental Receptionist, a Dental Assistant, and at a dry cleaners. Audrey was the treasurer for the Women’s Auxiliary of the Non-commissioned Officers Club, also planned events: formal dinners, dances, and fundraisers to name a few.
Upon arrival in Portland, Oregon, Audrey immediately began to establish roots for the family in the community. Just down the street from their new home was Mallory Avenue Christian Church which Audrey joined and then collaborated on various projects to serve the community whilst working at a Portland Public School as a nurse. Audrey worked on various programs with the YWCA, taking over the basement at Mallory with activities that instilled life skills along side athletics and crafts. The programs expanded and moved to a separate building where it continues to flourish. Another program Audrey worked for, then Directed was “People Are Beautiful.” An all inclusive summer program for disadvantaged youth with staff from various backgrounds and Countries, specifically recruited to share their cultures and experiences with the children. Audrey established a Book Nook at Mallory along with the Clothes Closet, which provided clothing to those in need. (She was a master at getting donations from Major Corporations). Audrey was the Executive Director of the North East Portland Emergency Food Program, She served on the Ecumenical Parish Board and she worked at the Health Help Center in North East Portland. Audrey also spent several seasons as a Dresser at the Portland Opera.
Along with Millard and Linda Fuller, and a host of others, Audrey founded the Portland Branch of Habitat For Humanity. Through the establishment of this branch, they were able to build, refurbish, fund and provide Homes for hundreds of families in the Portland Metropolitan area. This work afforded Audrey the opportunity to travel the country, forging lasting friendships with various community builders; Former President Jimmy Carter and Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the King family to name a few.
For her dedication and community building, Audrey was the first recipient of the Portland YWCA Founders Award and the Jefferson Award by the American Institute for Public Service. Mommy was
honored and cherished at Brightstar Ministries by Pastor J.W. Friday as their Church Mother.
Audrey had an exhaustive range of hobbies. She loved to travel, by airplane, train, bus, ship or car (it didn’t matter as long as it was an excursion with friends or family) frequently going on cruises, taking road trips, weekends to the coast, and train rides. Audrey hosted (Legendary house parties throughout the decades) and held game nights. As a child, she was dotted on by her Aunt Pearl a seamstress who made all of her clothing ensembles which include dresses, shoes, hats, and purses. She later picked up the skill herself and was always known for being dressed to the nines. Audrey learned how to crochet ponchos and throws, eventually teaching her children and grandchildren.
In a program at Mallory, Audrey learned how to oil paint and sold several of her works, she loved her Art, so she ended up keeping most of it for herself. She loved to cook and catered the majority of the community events, she routinely researched recipes and experimented, adding a special touch that can’t be duplicated.
Audrey, lovingly called Mommy by all that knew her, leaves to mourn her: Six children Ernest L. Sanders Jr., Valerie L. Sanders, Marvin L. Sanders, Marian L. Sanders, Katrina L. Sanders, and Vemikeam L. Sanders Sr.
Fifteen Grandchildren: Stephen P. Forbes, Dr. Michael W. Marion Jr., Eneshia L. Sanders, Micaela P. Lee, Gregory C. Sanders – Brown Jr., Marsalis C. Sanders, Markhuri L. Sanders – Frison, Marrie-Ana L. Sanders – Nabors, Corey A. Mason, Vemikeam L. Sanders Jr., Marquis L. Sanders, Vaquan L. Sanders, Sabrin L. Sanders, Kiesean L. Sanders, and Neyin A. Sanders.
Two Daughters-In-Law: Augustina C. Sanders and Sandra R. Sanders – Hayes.
Twenty Great – Grandchildren: Sentierra Forbes, William X. Nelson, Angel N. Sanders – Brown, Kayden Forbes, Marieanna Forbes, Amaree I. Sanders – Brown, Katiya L. Chertovskoy, Aaniya Edwards – Ramirez, A’Niya Sanders – Brown, Aura Edward – Ramirez, Amani Sanders – Brown, Aliana Francisco, Michael W. Marion III, Jeramiah L. Sanders, Mhavari K. Talicuran – Sanders, A’Ziair Sanders – Brown, Titus L. Marion, Ciaro A. Sanders – Martinez, Auvezory Sanders – Brown, and Berkeley B. F. Sanders – Frison.
One God Daughter: Babra Butler – Haskin.
A host of cousins and friends.
Audrey was proceeded in death by: Daughter Irma LaDora Sanders, Mother Irma Bernice Nelson, Father Robert Charles Nelson, Husband Ernest Lee Sanders Sr.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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