Deacon Leodis Sanders was born in Doerun, Georgia on April 21, 1933 to the late Matthew Sanders and Ella Duke Sanders. He was the 12th of 13 siblings, six girls and seven boys. All have preceded him in death. He received his education in the Colquitt County PublicSchool System. Leodis entered the United States Army in 1953 where he served for three years. After his honorable discharge from the Army and moving to Riviera Beach, Florida, he continued his education through the G.I. program.
Leodis Sanders met the love of his life, Dorothy Stewart, while living in Colquitt County, Georgia. He courted and married her in August, 1955. Following his discharge from the Army, they relocated to Riviera Beach, Florida and expanded their family with the births of three children: Brenda Joyce, Angela Gail and Christopher.
Leodis began what would be a lifelong relationship with the Lord, as a young child at Philco Baptist Church in Colquitt County, Georgia. It was in this small country church, close to his family’s farm, where he was exposed to the power and comfort of singing hymns and praising the Lord through song. In 1957, he became a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Riviera Beach, Florida, where he served in numerous capacities,including singing in Choir No. 1, being part of the Marriage Enrichment Ministry, and serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board and the Official Board for over 40 years.
Leodis found employment with Yes Banana Supply Company, in Riviera Beach, Florida and worked there for 40 years. He retired in 1996 as a Branch Manager. After leaving, he enjoyed his retirement years and took pleasure in fishing, writing inspirational letters to family and friends, and was a passionate fan and supporter of the Miami Dolphins.
Deacon Leodiswas a faithful,devoted Christian who loved the Lord with all his heart, adored his wife and children, treasured his entire extended family beyond measure and looked forward to the annual family reunion. He was well known throughout the community as, “the Banana Man”; known and cherished by his family for his great barbeque,sense of humor, infectious laugh, big voice and caring antidotes. He was an example of love and humbleness in all he did. Leodis was welcoming and had open arms for all, loved to cook, especially for his dear wife of 63 years, Dorothy. Many other family members, friends and people in their circle who loved to eat his meals. He was known across the church community for his clear and strong voice when leading service devotions at churches across Palm Beach County. Leodis was a passionate softball coach and loved his spotlight moment when his face graced a billboard to represent Community Voice grassroots promotionfor the March of Dimes. He had a natural affinity for people and no matter how he was feeling or how challenging the day, his favorite response when askedabout his day was …“It’s lovely”.
Leodis leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy:
• A beautiful, devoted and feisty wife, Dorothy Sanders
• Three children:‘his number one’~ Brenda Joyce Faulkner(Mitchell) of Atlanta, Georgia,‘his biggest fan’ ~ Angela Bridges (Jerry) of New Orleans, Louisiana‘his carbon copy’ ~Christopher Sanders (Agopi) of Port St Lucie, Florida
• Six grandchildren: Gabrielle and Theus Monroe, Sean and Cordell Sanders, Ashton Batiste and Holly Fuller
• A great-grandchild:Zylah Raye Hines
• A sister in law: Annie Lee Sanders(O.T. Sanders), Riviera Beach, Florida
• Godchildren: Lisa Butler, LaTrina Burney, Tamara Irving Jacob, Patricia Mercury-Harris and Jarnard Adams
• An extended family of Jacksons, a host of other loved nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.
The life of Deacon Leodis Sanders was a life well-lived, and it was lovely indeed. May God accept, bless his soul and keep him in eternal peace as he will live forever in our hearts.
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