Martha Sue Sanders

Martha Sue Little Sanders of Cottondale, Alabama, died peacefully February 5, 2025, at home. Martha Sue was born in Winchester, Tennessee. She was a cherished daughter and only sister to two older brothers who adored her. From a young age, she loved learning and the arts, becoming an avid reader, a talented pianist, and a ballet dancer. Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Heritage Chapel Funeral Home with burial following in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Her passion for learning led her to Tuscaloosa for her college education. She earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in English from The University of Alabama in just four years.

It was in Tuscaloosa where she met the love of her life, Jimmy Sanders. They shared a beautiful 55-year marriage until his passing in 2016.

Above all, Martha Sue, lovingly known as Nana to her grandchildren, found her greatest joy in family. She embraced every moment with her loved ones with unwavering support—whether riding horses and motorcycles, waterskiing or attending every game and event that involved her boys and grandchildren.

She opened her home to all of Shane and Scott’s friends, where they were welcomed, fed, and included in all of the adventures in Cottondale. When Shane was asked for his first thought about his mother, he replied, “She gave unselfishly to her family.”

Some of her happiest memories were made during family vacations to little league Turkey Bowls in Gatlinburg and Thanksgiving trips to Fort Walton Beach, where she delighted in time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Martha Sue dedicated 38 years to shaping young minds and instilling discipline as a teacher at Holt Elementary. Former students often shared how deeply they loved her and fondly remembered her as their favorite teacher, a testament to the incredible wisdom, warmth and kindness she brought into her classroom.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy; parents, C.T. and Glois Little; brothers, Glenn (Norma) and Bob Little; and nephews, Mitch Little and Chris Little.

Survivors include her sons, Shane (Dana) and Scott (Heather); grandchildren, Carmen Reeves (Jonathan), Callie Sanders, Luke Sanders (Lauren), Brenton Sanders, J.P. Sanders (Katherine), Natalie Sanders; great-grandchildren, Ethan Sanders, Jack Morgan, Olivia Reeves, Jacob Reeves, and Charlie Sanders; sister-in-law, Emily; and much loved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Luke Sanders, Brenton Sanders, J.P. Sanders, Jon Reeves, Greg Rubio, Mike Moore, and Rob Thomas.

Honorary pallbearers include Barry Lemley, Ricky Cox, Mike Bates, Barry Snyder, John and Jill Carroll, Joe Fendley, Martha Hall, and Employees of Crimson Stone.

Special thanks to her caregivers and dear friends Donna Walker and Geraldine Hargrove. Much appreciation to her caregivers Sara Grant, Edwina Bishop, Janet Minor, Hope Smith and Hospice of West Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.