Emily J. Sanders

April 1,1936 – April 23, 2017

"Emily Joyce Sanders who resided at Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, GA with her husband of 60 years, Walter McDonald Sanders III, quietly passed into eternal rest on Sunday afternoon April 23th, 2017. She died of no apparent cause other than being called home to her Heavenly Father.

Emily was born to Albert Goodloe Joyce and Emily Flippen Joyce (of Dallas TX) in Pelham NY in 1936, and was the eldest of three sisters. She attended Hood college in Frederick MD, where she met and subsequently married Walter M. Sanders III of Bluefield, VA in Pelham, NY in 1956. They began their marvelous life’s journey by moving to Brazil for 2 years. While there, they began collecting orchids which grew into a life-long joint hobby.

Emily and Walt lived in Vienna VA, Baltimore MD, Clemson, SC and eventually moved to Athens, GA in 1965. There they raised their four children, Emily Graham (Nina), Walter M IV (Sandy), A. Brian, and Stephen C.

For 50 years Emily was a devoted member of Friendship Presbyterian Church in Athens, GA, where she made joyful noises unto the Lord as a member of the choir, as well as serving on the session and countless other committees and church groups, thereby impacting the lives of many in the community.

In addition to her church life, over the years Emily served the community by dedicating time to various charities and organizations including school PTA's, St Mary's Hospital, Reading for the Blind, The State Botanical Garden and cofounder of Athens Youth Symphony just to name a few.

Emily's passion for horticulture led her to the Ladies’ Garden Club, where she not only enjoyed being a member, but also served as that chapter’s President.

This amazing woman also found time to manage a family side-business started primarily for the benefit of her Mother-in-Law, Mary M. Sanders, affectionately nicknamed "Bee". This business began with the orchids brought back from Brazil and expanded into a garden center with green houses and landscaping service. At one point "Bee's Business, Inc." was the largest iris grower in the southeast. This would not have been possible without her green thumb and TLC.

She is survived by her husband, Walter M. Sanders III, her younger sister, Caroline Farrar, her children: Nina, Sandy and his wife Dianna, Brian and his wife Susan, Steve and his wife Emme, and her grandchildren: Grayson Sanders, Stephanie Sanders, Aubrey Sanders, Emily Rea, Mac Sanders V, Larissa Mulvaney and Brett Mulvaney, nieces and nephews.

The few notes above don't come close to capturing the accomplishments, compassion, and warmth of this lovely, gracious lady who touched so many lives in a unique and special way. She was a wonderful wife, the best mother and Nana a child or grandchild could wish for, and a friend like no other if you were lucky enough to be in her company. We will miss her dearly.

To honor her compassion for others and love of flowers, we would welcome flowers or a donation to the State Botanical Garden of GA, Athens. Thank you.

There will be two memorial services for Emily J. Sanders:

Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 2:00PM

Lanier Village Estates Chapel

4000 Village View Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506

678-450-3000

Reception following

Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 1:00PM

Friendship Presbyterian Church

8531 Macon Hwy, Athens, GA 30606

706-543-6077

Reception Following

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Service, Lilburn, GA.