Rev. Versie Lee Sanders

Rev. VERSIE LEE SANDERS

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His glorious return.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) NLT

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Rev. Versie Lee Sanders received the call from our Heavenly Father, summoning her to move from her earthly tabernacle, where she lived 101 years, to eternal rest.

She quietly and peacefully slipped away and now sleeps, awaiting that Great Getting’ Up Morning!

Rev. Versie Lee Williams Sanders, affectionately known as LITTLE MAMA, was born April 23, 1924 to the parentage of Luke Williams and Alberta McKee Williams of Palestine, Anderson County, Texas.

She was the youngest of 6 children, 3 of whom preceded her in death prior to her birth. At age 2 Versie fell deathly ill, but the end was not yet to be. God had assignments she must fulfill. Last rites were rendered. Her mother fell to her knees, praying over her tiny baby’s body, fearing it was all over for Versie. BUT God! The Spirit of the Lord had the final say. Miraculously healed, Versie earned the name: Miracle Child of East Texas, proving it’s not over until God says it’s over! She lived short of 100 more years! Glory to His Name!

Versie entered the Anderson County school system as a small child, however, by age 5 her parents and remaining siblings moved to Dallas, Texas for a new start. She enrolled in the Dallas Independent School District.

At age 7 Versie overheard her mother (also a minister) sharing with others the goodness of Jesus! It made her “soul happy!” Standing in the “soup line” for 3 meals a day during the Great Depression, Versie recognized God was still with her. She gathered the neighborhood children sharing what her mother taught her. When little animals died, she eulogized them because they were God’s creatures too. Adults in the neighborhood stopped to listen to this little girl sounding like a seasoned preacher of the gospel. They shouted and praised God because He spoke through this young deliverer of the gospel. Shortly afterwards, she was Christened (baptized) in the faith and joined the Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church family, her church home for life!

At age 10 Versie heard a voice call her name … 3 times … only to float away in the wind. No one else was around. After each call, she went to her mother asking, “Did you call me?” The answer, every time, was NO! After the 3rd time, her mother told her, “The next time you hear the voice, respond, “Yes, Lord!” However, she “ran” from her calling to preach 63 years, living and serving as a Licensed Missionary. God required more! In 1997 she stopped running, obediently answering HIS call to preach! She served faithfully, as a Local Elder (minister) until her health failed.

After graduating from Lincoln High School, January 1943, Versie worked for Grand Silver 5 & Dime, later named H.L. Green, a historic department store famous for being Dallas’ first first lunch counter to desegregate in 1960 through civil rights sit-ins. Versie was the first Black American ever hired as a Counter Girl for the lunch crowd, later finding employment with HS Cress 5 & Dime, Titches-Goettinger Department Store as the first black person to run the Print-O-Sign Machine and the ticket and pin-making machine used to create tickets attached to garments. She finally exited the world of department store life in 1989, retiring from Neiman Marcus as the only Black American in her Accounts Payable department for the main store.

Later that same year, 1943, after only 6 months of dating, Versie Lee Williams and Albert Delton Sanders, Sr. were united in Holy Matrimony. To this union were born 5 children; 4 girls and that 1 boy she prayed for, teaching them all the ways of God. The legacy lives on!

Versie began her ultimate life’s work doing the two things she loved most, missionary work and guiding the lives of children, excelling at both! Being a missionary was her first love, proving to be the North Star of how it’s done. After a few attempts to drive, Versie decided it was not for her and the Dallas City Transit became her new friend, delivering her to and from each destination safely … every time! Not driving was never a deterrent from helping the sick and needy though. Even through her own illnesses, losses, near death experiences and tragedies, she boarded buses all over Dallas. Versie gathered laundry for people who were unable to do so for themselves. She laundered the piles, sometimes by hand, and returned them like new … back on the bus. A little known tidbit regarding Versie and her ‘first’ achievements, in 1944 she integrated the “streetcar” that traveled from downtown to East Dallas by sitting on the front side seat which was reserved for whites only. The bus driver asked her to move. She refused! The rest is history!

Versie Lee was a trailblazer everywhere she went. She held offices at Lee Chapel for many years; Church Secretary, Trustee, Steward, ACCE Fellowship Leader (youth training), Playwright, Senior Choir member and Eastern Star. More importantly, and her most cherished service, was preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ! No opposition stopped her from her Divine assignment. Even during the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease, she consistently called on the Name of the Lord … until her last breath. THIS is the illustration and framing of a life well lived!

Rev. Versie Lee Sanders was a drum major of life, leading others to Christ. She was a woman of grace, beauty, elegance, quick wit and directness, presenting an easy smile and warm greeting with everyone she met.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, former husband, Albert Delton Sanders, Sr., granddaughter, Sherva D. Alexander, grandson Jeffrey D. Fudge and her closest, lifelong friends.

Rev. Sanders leaves to cherish her memory ALL 5 children: Debra J. Johnson, Sherry D. Fudge, Verta J. Tatum, Valda K. Pugh (Hurlock), her only son, Albert D. Sanders, Jr. (Fang), 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, a dedicated daughter-in-law Pearlena “Cookie” Sanders, 2 Sisters-in Law, Dorothy and Curly Mae, nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Let the life I lived speak for me …

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify our Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) NLT