Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Reflections of a Life Well-Lived
Nathaniel Isaiah Sanders
A Time To Be Born
Nathaniel I. Sanders was the first of six children born to Isaiah and Mariah Thomas Sanders on November 20, 1919, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Rufus Sanders, Anthanette Sanders, Willie Raymond Sanders, Lillian Phifer, and Fannie Mae Johnson.
A Time To Love
The family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where he met the love of his life, Roby Hill, who later became his wife. From this union of 59 years, two children were born: Jo Nell and Cather Nadine.
A Time To Serve
Mr. Sanders has been a faithful and devoted member of Bethel A.M.E. Church from 1968 to present. His services included membership in the following: 47 years in the Music Ministry with the Voices of Praise and Men’s Chorus; District and Conference Choirs: Steward and Steward Pro-Tem.
A Time To Live
Nathaniel “Sarge” was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His professional life was 30 years of Military Service with the U.S. Air Force where he retired as a M/SGT in August 1972. He had 3 overseas assignments and was a proud WWII Veteran.
After retirement, at the age of 57, he enrolled in Southwest Texas State University (Currently Texas State University, San Marcos, TX). Sarge graduated in May 1976, with a bachelor’s degree in Business. In 1992, his last retirement was as an Insurance Specialist - United Services Automobile Association (USAA).
Mr. Sanders was very active in his neighborhood where he was a Member and Officer of United Homeowner’s Improvement Association. His pride and joy was mentoring young boys at Cameron Elementary School scholastically and with their personal needs. Mr. Sanders is a lifetime member of Blue Bonnet Lodge #192.
Sarge loved fishing!!! He and his family (especially Cather and Tamarkus) enjoyed their fishing trips to Corpus Christi, TX. Mr. Sanders was often seen at any events of his grands and great-grands. You would often hear him humming and singing along with “Big Band” and “Jazz” in his rich bass voice. He was privileged to travel as a civilian with his wife and family and later with his daughters. Mr. Sanders enjoyed watching sports especially the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Astros. Most of all, he loved the Lord. His favorite verse: “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself.” Matthew 22:39
A Time For Peace
On December 5, 2020, Nathaniel Sanders, departed this earthly life peacefully at home, and entered into his eternal life with his Heavenly Father.
A Time To Say Goodbye
Loving memories of “Daddy” will remain as he leaves behind two loving daughters, Jo Nell Yarbrough of Katy, TX, and Cather Manous; “PaPa” to granddaughters, Michelle Y. Wilson and Dyanna Flanagan; five great-grandchildren, Jamizia Manous, Tamarkus and Alia Flanagan, Jordyn Johnson-Manous, Genesis Noah Wilson and “Uncle Na” to a host of relatives and “Sarge” or “Nat” to his friends.
“As long as we can love each other, we can die without ever going away. You live on in the hearts of everyone you have touched.” Morrie Schwartz
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of NATHANIEL I. SANDERS, please visit our floral store.