Mary Sue Sanders

Mary Sue graduated from Peace College in Raleigh, North Carolina, with an associate degree in Secretarial Science. She married her high school sweetheart, John W. Sanders, and worked at North Carolina State University while he completed his degree, helping to build the foundation for the life they would share together. When John entered the Army, they moved to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where their first child was born. Following his military service, they settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they shared more than 60 years of devoted marriage centered on faith, family, and service to their community.

Mary Sue was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother (and recently a great grandmother) whose first concern was always the well-being of others. She expressed her love not through grand gestures, but through countless daily acts of service, generosity, and quiet selflessness. Though stoic by nature and reluctant to draw attention to herself, she possessed an extraordinary work ethic and an unwavering commitment to those she loved.

A longtime member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, she served faithfully in numerous leadership roles and on countless committees over the years. Her children fondly remember that she made certain they were in Sunday School and church every week. On the rare occasion they stayed home, they were not allowed outside to play until church services had ended. She was the steady force behind countless activities that enriched the lives of her children and many others, volunteering through the PTA, swim teams, church youth programs, and the innumerable unseen tasks that make childhood joyful, secure, and fulfilling.

Her devotion to her family never diminished as her children grew older. She remained a source of steadfast love, encouragement, and support throughout their lives. Even near the end of her life, her concern remained fixed on those she loved. Her last meaningful words to her son were, “I'm not ready to quit being a mother.”

Though she never sought recognition and would likely have been uncomfortable receiving it, her influence on the lives of her family, friends, church, and community was profound and enduring. The example she set through a lifetime of faithful service, humility, perseverance, and love will continue to shape the lives of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bill Pipkin; and her beloved husband, John.

She is survived by her sister, Laura Dowdy; her children, Debra Sturgis (David), John Sanders (Leigh Ann), and Jay Sanders; her grandchildren, LCDR David Sturgis, Katherine Broyhill (Holden), Christian Sanders (fiancée Olivia Neville), Grace Wenger (Tyler); her great-grandson, Robert Wenger; her nieces and nephews; and many dear friends from her church family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 16th from 10:00 am-11:00 am at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 Wednesday at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with The Rev. Dr. Col Paul Womack officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com