Gail Annette Sanders

Gail Annette Barnett was born on November 27, 1954, in Beeville, Texas, to Travis Edward Barnett and Thelma Louis Maguglin Barnett.

Gail grew up in Beeville and graduated from A.C. Jones High School in 1973. She furthered her education by attending Southwest Bible College in Houston, where she deepened her relationship with the Lord while also proving that she knew how to enjoy life. Family and friends fondly remember the time she broke the rules and snuck out to attend an Elvis Presley concert—a story that always brought a smile. After returning home, she earned her Associate Degree from Bee County College. She then joined the family business, Barnett Electric, where she worked alongside her parents and her brother, Doyle, who was not only her sibling but also one of her closest lifelong friends.

Gail met the love of her life, Billy Rex Sanders, while singing in the choir at Trinity Chapel in Beeville. Their first date was on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1975, at Dairy Queen. One year later, on Valentine's Day 1976, they were married and began a remarkable partnership in life and ministry that would span more than four decades.

Their first son, Brandon Rex Sanders, was born on July 2, 1977. Later that year, Billy and Gail moved to Copperas Cove, Texas, where they became pastors of Trinity Chapel Copperas Cove in December 1977. Their second son, Brent Edward Sanders, was born on June 5, 1979.

After Brent's birth, the family moved to Temple in 1980 to serve in a Christian school. In 1981, they relocated to Waco to pioneer a church. It was during this season that Gail discovered her passion for children's ministry. In 1982, she opened her first daycare in Hewitt, Texas. The following year, God called the family back to Copperas Cove, where Gail founded Trinity Child Care. What began as a daycare became her life's ministry, touching generations of children and families. Today, Trinity Child Care continues to serve the community she loved so deeply.

Though naturally shy and quiet, Gail stepped beyond her comfort zone when God called her to lead praise and worship. In time, she also embraced the call to preach and teach God's Word. Gail received her ministerial ordination through Heritage of Faith, Jerry Savelle Ministries.

For more than 45 years, Gail faithfully served alongside Billy through Trinity Chapel, Trinity Living Center, and North Pointe Church. Together they pastored, ministered, and loved people with unwavering devotion. After Billy went home to Heaven in 2022, Gail continued faithfully in ministry, co-pastoring alongside her son Brent until her own homegoing on June 17, 2026.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Gail, it was this: she loved Jesus. She loved Jesus, she loved Billy, and she loved her family. Her life was marked by faithfulness, kindness, humility, laughter, and a servant's heart.

Her family was her greatest earthly joy. She faithfully supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through every season of life. From ballgames and church services to graduations, performances, birthdays, and family gatherings, Gail could always be counted on to show up. She was their biggest cheerleader, faithful prayer warrior, trusted encourager, and steady source of love. She celebrated every milestone, carried every burden to the Lord in prayer, and never missed an opportunity to remind her family how deeply they were loved. Her presence made every celebration sweeter and every trial easier to bear.

Whether caring for children, encouraging someone in need, leading worship, preaching, or simply spending time with those she loved, Gail reflected the love of Christ everywhere she went. Her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Rex Sanders; her parents, Travis Edward Barnett and Thelma Louis Barnett; and many loved ones who welcomed her into Heaven.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith and a family who will cherish her memory until they meet again.

Gail is survived by:

Her son, Brandon Rex Sanders and wife, LaDonna Sanders

• Brooke Hooper and husband Daniel Hooper, and their children, Keanu and Koral

• Brody Rex Sanders

Her son, Brent Edward Sanders and wife, Jenni Sanders

• Travis Sanders

• Trent Sanders

• Tori Sanders

Her brother, Doyle Barnett and wife, Terri Barnett

• Kayla Bill and husband Adrian Bill, and their children, Jonathan, Jimmy, and Audrey

• Katelynn Barnett

Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find comfort in knowing that Gail is now reunited with Billy and standing in the presence of the Savior she loved and served so faithfully.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23