Miss Ella Mary Denise Sanders

Ella Mary Denise Sanders was born on October 11, 1960, in West Helena, Arkansas, to the late C. S. Sanders and Eleanor Lee. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and became a faithful member of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend G. G. Brown. Throughout her walk with Christ, Ella Mary was no stranger to prayer, ministry, and service. She answered the call to ministry and became an ordained minister under the leadership of Reverend Lyles and Reverend C. L. Bell at Pettis Memorial CME Church. After many years of dedicated service there, Ella Mary returned to her roots at New Haven Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend G. G. Brown, where she continued to serve faithfully until relocating to Kosciusko, Mississippi. Upon returning home to Arkansas, Ella Mary became a member of Silver Cloud Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend James L. Williams. She was a vital part of the ministry and a cherished link in the chain known as "The Seasoned Women." Ella Mary remained an active and devoted member of the church until her passing. Her life was a testament to faith, dedication, prayer, and service to God and others. On June 20, 2026, Ella Mary completed her earthly journey and was welcomed home to receive her heavenly crown. She was preceded in death by her mother, Eleanor Lee; her father, C. S. Sanders; her sisters, Annie Doris Redmon, Jacqueline Sanders, and Minnie Sanders; her uncles, Larry Bell and Amoson Bryant; and her aunt, Geraldine Carter. She leaves to cherish her memory three children: Brian Long, Brittany Early, and Brandon Early. She also leaves seven grandchildren: Briana, Camille, Brian Jr., Kirsten, Maleah Long, Ariana Sykes, and Braydon Brown; three great-grandchildren; and one beloved daughter-in-love, Lasonya Sykes-Long. Her siblings include Judge Chalk Mitchell of the 4th Judicial Circuit Court, Roosevelt Sanders (Vernita), Grant Sanders (Ziva), Marveline Smith (Joseph), Anita Sanders-Haggins (Curtis), Amos Sanders (Carolyn), Eleanor Sanders-Daniel (Lorenzo), Steven Sanders, and Andre Sanders. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who will carry forward her legacy as they continue their own journey to greatness. While her circle of acquaintances was far too extensive to list, Ella Mary leaves behind cherished friends, including Sheila Olloway, Martha Hardnett, Catherine Clark, Dorothy Bell, and Marvella Jarrett.

Miss Ella Mary Denise Sanders

October 11, 1960 - June 20, 2026