Betty Jean Iverson-Sander

Betty Jean Sander passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children on Tuesday January 5, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida at the age of 89. According to her wishes, a memorial service along the Tallulah River in North Carolina will be held at a later date.

Betty Jean was born on February 26, 1926 in Miami, Florida, where she spent most of her early years. She attended middle school in New York City, where she had some of her fondest childhood memories. After graduation from Miami Senior High School, she proudly served her country during WWII. She served in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation machinist. She met her future husband, George F. Sander, Jr, a fellow marine in Norman, Oklahoma, while they were both stationed there for training. After WWII, they attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Upon George's graduation, they settled in Miami, Florida, where they raised their family before retiring to Tallahassee, Florida.

Betty Jean loved living in Tallahassee. She enjoyed gardening, home improvement projects and yard sales. She was proud of her 16 years of volunteer work at Tallahassee Community Hospital. Her other passions included crossword puzzles, current and political events, and being with her family. She especially enjoyed time spent at the family cabin on the Tallulah River in North Carolina.

Betty Jean is survived by her children Mark Sander (Julie), Matthew Sander (Cathy), Kimberly Sander, 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her cherished mother and father James H. and Lillian M. Brewerton, former husband George F. Sander, Jr. (Henrietta), and her eldest son Mitchell (Alice).

The family wishes to thank the following and their staff for their kindness and support: Dr. Paul Hartsfield, Dr. Jeanine Silberman, Dr. Ovidiu Marina, Dr. Tim Ruark, Jr., Dr. Stan Whitney, Dr. Elizabeth Fajer, and the staff of Big Bend Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice or the Habitat for Humanity.