Violet Louise Sanders

Vi was born on April 22, 1926 in Flint, Michigan to Owen and Martha (Maurer) Goodrich. She began her calling early, mothering her younger sister early in life. Her father pushed for college and he very much wanted her to be the first in her family to graduate. She attended Greenville College in Illinois and studied to obtain her Biology degree. She met her husband, Norman “Norm” Sanders, at school, and signed up for the basketball team to spend more time with him. As her coach, Norm would constantly bench her in order to spend time with (as he put it) the most beautiful girl on the team. Vi graduated cum laude in 1948 and moved back to Michigan to begin teaching. In a WWII love story, Norm proposed over the phone before he shipped out, and she joined him in San Francisco to say their vows and celebrate their marriage.

Vi and Norm began and grew their family in Michigan and Illinois, giving birth to two girls and two boys. She loved teaching high school, enjoying not just the teaching aspect, but directing school plays and other activities. She taught off and on for many years, becoming a stay at home mom after her fourth child was born. In 1977, they made the move with their youngest to Baytown, Texas. Vi changed careers at that point and began managing apartment complexes, spending over 30 years at West Lodge in Baytown, before finally retiring at the age of 84.

The consummate Mom, she was known for her faith, her unconditional love and her prayers that could move mountains. "Mom" to more than just her children, she loved all who needed it. Vi was the center of her family, and together with her husband, created a legacy that taught love and grace. She was always smiling and laughing, putting everyone's needs before her own. Her greatest wish in life was that her entire family and the generations to follow would be united with her in Heaven, through their acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Vi is survived by her husband, Norm, her children, Kathy Guidry, Konnie and Dwight Briggs, Ken and Nancy Sanders, and Kraig and Jessica Sanders, eighteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, a half sister, several nieces and nephews and countless friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Florence "Rickie" Hammer, and her grandson, Timothy Sanders.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Samaritan's Purse.