Dorothy Laverne Sanders (AKA "Vernie", "Meme Lucy"), 82, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 22, 2023 with her family at her side.Vernie was born in Hot Springs Arkansas on February 4, 1941 and was a lifelong resident. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Royal where she played the piano for many years. She was well known for her annual Christmas Eve parties, ability to grow beautiful flowers, and home cooking.
She is survived by two sisters, Florence Macon and Mary Keith, both of Hot Springs, two sons and daughter-in-laws, Brad (Vicky) Sanders of Royal, Russell (Christy) Sanders of Bismarck, three grandchildren, Nick (Michelle) Sanders, Keri Sanders, and Chase Prather, and four great granddaughters who were her pride and joy: Mya, Olivia, and Amelia Sanders, and Dylilah Prather, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Jessie Lee Sanders, parents Edward Grady and Annie Green, sister Jo Helen Brandenburg, and brother Charles Green.
Pallbearers will be Gerald Braziel, Jr., John Gilmore, Clint Lingelback, Jacob Lynch, John Lynch, and Charlie Yates. Honorary pallbearers include Mike Buttrum, Jerry and Juanice Chitwood, Curtis and Betty Hopkins, and the Womens' Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Royal.
A celebration of life for all family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Gross Funeral Home with Brother George Lynch officiating. Interment at Memorial Gardens will be immediately after the service. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Vernie's name to First Baptist Church of Royal.
The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.Com
