Betty Jean Sanders

Betty Jean Sanders of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina passed away on June 7, 2023 at age 86. A beloved mother, Grandma, and Memaw, Betty joined her heavenly family and friends after a vigorously-fought battle with a brief illness. Betty was born to Retta Bell Keath and Russell Keath on June 8, 1936 in Helena, Arkansas. Betty married her husband, T. Sargeant Windell Lenwood Sanders (USAF), on November 19, 1955 in Center, Texas. They made homes in Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Turkey, throughout Windell's service in the Air Force, before his passing in 1970. After his passing, Betty returned to Memphis, Tennessee. She was employed as a Deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department and went on to win multiple awards for excellent marksmanship. Betty was known for her love of all plants and her incredible green thumb! She also enjoyed birdwatching, researching family ancestry, painting, and reading. She was a loyal friend and dedicated advocate for all animals, especially her many beloved pets. Betty had a passion for travelling to visit family and friends, as well as exploring the world. She traversed North America, Australia, and Europe - often discussing future return travel plans to Australia, her favorite destination. She was a member of Forestbrook Baptist Church, Caring and Sharing Group, and Beacon Sunday School Class, where she made many special friendships. Betty was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, Daughters of the Nile, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Windell Sanders, her parents Retta Bell Keath Littrell and Russell Keath, and her brother, Thomas Russell Keath. She is survived by two sons, Michael Sanders (Terry) of Loris, South Carolina and Stephen Sanders (Christen) of John's Island, South Carolina, three granddaughters, Jenna Hudson (Nicholas), Melissa Sanders and Mallorie Sanders, one great-granddaughter, Ansley Hudson, one brother Larry Keath (Ann) of Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, brothers-in-law: Tom Hucks, Herman Sanders, Delano Sanders, Jimmy Sanders, Paul Sanders (Nora), Larry Sanders, sisters-in-law Rhonda Butler, Catherine Sanders, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Penny. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the and caring staff of Arbor Landing Independent Living, Forestbrook Baptist Church family; ministry team, and the many nurses and doctors who provided compassionate care for Betty throughout the last months. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Forestbrook Baptist Church with Dr. Randall Helms officiating. Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Forestbrook Baptist Church, before the service. "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." Exodus 23:20. Please sign the online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Jean Sanders

June 8, 1936 - June 7, 2023