Helen Sanders

Charlotte - Helen Williston Sanders died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family and caregiver. She died at 95, having recently suffered a stroke. Helen was born on December 6, 1920 in Colchester, CT, the only daughter of Edward Bradford Williston and Helen Hamlin Williston.

She was predeceased by her husband, Maynard (Sandy) Sanders, a son, Jimmy Sanders; and a granddaughter, Emily Strickland. She is survived by her son, Sandy Sanders (Carol) of Tucker GA; her daughter, Susan Strickland (Mark) of Venice. FL; her granddaughter, Amy Cousins (Errol); and great-grandchildren, Imani, Iyla, Adia and Moziah Cousins of Stoddard, NH; a niece; and several nephews. Helen also leaves her dog and constant companion, Maggie.

Helen lived an active and interesting life. After graduation from Beaver College in Jenkintown, PA , she and her future sister-in-law, Elizabeth Williston, joined the U.S. Navy and served their country during World War II. While stationed in Charleston, SC she met her future husband, Sandy, who was also in the Navy. After World War II ended, Helen and Sandy and their son, young Sandy, moved to Charlotte, NC, where Sandy was employed by Southern Bell. Helen and Sandy were married for 29 years until his death in 1975.

Devoted to her husband and children, Helen was instrumental in the lives of her children, granddaughters and great-grandchildren throughout her life. Her home was the gathering place for the neighborhood children, many who have remained in touch with her over the years.

Active in the Girl Scouts organization of Charlotte, Helen and good friend, Betty Estes, led the Girl Scouts cookie sales for 10 years. Following her husband’s retirement, Helen and her good friend, Eleanor Wilson started S&W Framing Company, which they successfully ran for ten years.

When Helen’s home church, Myers Park Presbyterian Church, announced that one of its ministries was looking for volunteers to build homes for Habitat, she thought that might be something she would like to do. At 65, Helen’s newest passion became Habitat for Humanity. She volunteered on the construction crew, “a job” she held for 25 years. Helen’s good friend and fellow church member, Anna Carter, convinced her to be her roommate on a Habitat build in El Salvador, Central America. This experience led to many more Habitat builds in Africa, the Phillipines, South Korea, throughout America, and Charlotte. When Helen reached the age of 80, she was transferred from the roofing crew to the group who installed vinyl siding. Helen “retired” from Habitat at age 90, and remained friends with her fellow volunteers; Anna, Betty, Bob, Alan, Chris and others.

Helen’s home-away-from-home was her beloved camp (cottage) in New Hampshire. She and her family always looked forward to their summers there. An annual family reunion was the highlight of her summer. During the winter, Helen would make plans for a construction project at her camp for the following summer. These projects may have been a training ground for her “career” at Habitat.

The family would especially like to thank Helen’s long time friend and caregiver, Rebecca Wilson Jones, for her loving care and support. A special thanks also to the staffs of Carolina Rehabilitation, Peak Resources and Hospice & Palliative Care for their outstanding care.

Funeral Services will be held in the chapel of Harry and Bryant Funeral Home, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 11 am, with Reverend Michele Thomas Bush officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A Celebration of Helen’s life will be held next summer in Stoddard, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 3815 Latrobe Dr., Charlotte, NC 28211; the Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203; Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204; or your favorite charity.