Shirley Jeane Oliver Sanders

Shirley Jeane Oliver Sanders, born in Little Rock, AR died January 11, 2024 in San Antonio, TX. She was 89 years old. She was married to Dr. Albert Sanders for over 63 years before his death in 2019.

Shirley’s father worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, requiring the family to move frequently. During her childhood, she lived in Eldorado, Shreveport, New Orleans, Little Rock, Texarkana, Houston, and Ft. Worth. The first school she ever attended for more than two years was Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1956.

At Southwestern University, she met her future husband, Albert. Their early married life took them to Galveston, Texas, where she taught school while Albert completed medical school; Denver, Colorado; the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in New Mexico; and Houston, Texas. They settled in San Antonio in 1966 and became deeply involved in their community. Shirley particularly engaged in her church, the Bexar County Medical Society Alliance, her children’s schools, and ZTA sorority, usually assuming leadership roles. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and gathering with friends through bridge, dance club, church, and dinners at their favorite restaurants.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Albert Sanders, their daughter Jeanmarie, her parents Gus and Genie Oliver, brother Dick Oliver and son-in-law Gerald W. Gribbons. She is survived by her children: Dr. James Sanders (Tricia), Mary Kay Gribbons, Rev. Stephen Sanders (Mary). Grandchildren: Luke M. Sanders (Emily), Jonathan P. Sanders, Nathaniel A. Sanders, Joseph B. Sanders, Donald O. Gribbons (Jeanette), Dr. K. Bates Gribbons, McKie K. Gribbons, Bailey J. Gribbons, David O. Sanders, and James M. Sanders. Great grandson, Albert Sanders.

The Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, Garden Chapel, 825 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Southwestern University, (1001 E University, Georgetown, TX 78626) the University of Texas Medical Branch “Shirley and Albert Sanders Presidential Scholarship” (Box 301, University, Galveston, TX 77555), CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation - Children’s Hospital of San Antonio (P. O. Box 1661, San Antonio, TX 78296), or a charity of your choice.