Anita Rebecca Massengale Sanders, born January 1, 1948 to Clyde and Lorraine Massengale in Chattanooga Tennessee. She was a graduate of South Pittsburg High and attended Tennessee Temple prior to being married to Joe Sanders in 1967.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, James O. (Joe) Sanders, her mother and father, Clyde and Lorraine Massengale, her mother and father in law, Arnold and Catherine Sanders, her son in law, Ronald (Ronnie) Nelson Rich(Cynde), her brother and sister in law, Earl Ray (Buddy) and Faye Sanders, her brother in law Griffin Sanders and her grandson Ryan Rich.
Anita is survived by her two daughters, Cynthia (Cynde) Williams (Jeff Williams) of Smyrna TN, Christi Ryan (Jim Ryan) of Antioch TN , her seven grandchildren, Raechel Cervantes (Delfino Cervantes) of Murfreesboro TN, Cassandra Sanders of Nashville TN , Joshua Rich of Smyrna TN and Cheyenne Ryan of Antioch TN and Gavin Williams of Smyrna TN, Ashley Holloway (Austin Holloway) Manchester TN, Marissa Bailey(Nick Bailey), Murfreesboro TN, her seven great grandchildren, Jaquelyn Cervantes, Hayley Harmon, Liam Holloway, Madelynn Holloway, Chloe Holloway, Brycen Bailey and Maddox Bailey, she was excited to hear the news of great grandchild number 8 expected in September 2020, her brother and sister in law, Ray and Patricia Massengale of Canton GA. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews that she dearly loved and many surviving cousins who she loved and enjoyed sharing fond memories of with her children and grandchildren. She believed and lived the saying that cousins are your first and longest friends.
Anita worked as a political aide for the Republican Party in the Chattanooga area, a bookkeeper for Rock City, Lookout Mountain TN and later as a bookkeeper for Bud Higdon, Higdon Electric in Chattanooga TN. She moved with her husband and children to Nashville in December of 1981 where she was employed as a bookkeeper for Service Merchandise in Nashville TN until she and Joe started their own business in 1985, Joe Sanders Painting. Together they served the Nashville Apartment Industry and Nashville homeowners for nearly 20 years.
Anita professed her faith in Jesus Christ as a young girl and was proud to be a member of both Kimball Baptist Church where she was married in 1967, and Lighthouse Baptist Church, Antioch TN where she made many lifelong friends.
Anita loved UT football (GO VOLS!!) She was an incredible cook, she loved to host a party and go overboard with amazing food. She was an avid reader, she loved history and crime novels. She enjoyed tending to her plants, traveling to the beach and the mountains and conversations about politics, football and current events. More than anything, she loved the time she spent with her grandchildren and great granddaughter.
Anita’s spirit was one of caring, loving and compassion. Her desire to help others, in whatever the need was, was one that came natural to her.
Anita loved well and was loved by many.
May the ones she touched with her compassion and love carry on showing others the same love and compassion she shared with all.
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