Willie Thelma "Ludie" (Johnson) Sanders

Mother Willie Thelma “Ludie” Sanders, daughter of the late Sidney B. Johnson and Bessie Mae Johnson entered this world to begin her life’s journey on December 30, 1942 in Putnam County.  Seventy eight years later, on Saturday, January 23, 2021, the Lord smiled on her and set her free to be with Him in the heavenly home that He had prepared for her.

Thelma was the oldest of her sisters: Beverly Ann Simmons and Fannie Julia Gude. She had two brothers, Paul B. Moreland and James R. Moreland who both preceded her in death.   She was raised in Putnam County and received her education in the Putnam County School System. During young adulthood, she studied nursing, but interrupted her studies to come back home and help tend to family.

 Mother Sanders accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Jones Grove Baptist Church in Eatonton, GA under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Pressley. She became an usher at the age of 16. She was a dedicated member who served as the secretary of Jones Grove, the assistant secretary of 5th Sunday Meetings, and as a mother on the Mother’s Board.  She faithfully served until her health began to decline.

Mother Thelma married Rufus Oscar Sanders, Jr. in 1977. On most weekends, they enjoyed mingling with and being of service to others. Deacon Sanders preceded her in death on July 23, 2016. Mother Thelma also had a long-time best friend, Willie Mae Edwards to precede her in death.

 Throughout her lifetime, her career endeavors included 21 years at Enterprise Aluminum Plant until its closing and thereafter, following in her mother’s footsteps by operating her own family daycare center until the late 1990’s.  Some years later, she and her husband Rufus were employed at Putnam Memorial Funeral Home under the directions of Mr. Harry C. Stafford, Sr.

Mother Thelma leaves behind a blended family which includes: daughter, Evangelist Bridgette P. Lowe (Everette) Eatonton, GA., Pastor Quentin B. Sanders (Shalisha) Madison, GA, Felton Sanders, Frankfort, Germany,  Phyllis Monday (Gary) Eatonton, GA, Renaldo Sanders (Dawn) Eatonton, GA, Reverend Andrew Sanders, Eatonton, GA; Sisters: Beverly Ann Simmons and Fannie Julia Gude both of Atlanta, GA; brothers-in-law: Melvin Sanders Lavoniah Sanders both of Eatonton, GA, Benny Sanders of Atlanta, GA; three sisters-in-law: Ola Kate Waters (James) Atlanta, GA., Eleanor Madison, Eatonton, GA, and Frances Moreland, Decatur, GA; a host of grandchildren along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Funeral Services will be held at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery, 574 Glades Road, NW, Eatonton, GA 31024 on Saturday, January 30, 2021, 1:00PM, with Pastor Eddie Pressley officiating and Pastor Quentin Sanders delivering the Eulogy.

Viewing will take place at the funeral home on Friday, January 29, from 4 P.M. – 7 P.M.  Putnam Memorial Funeral Home promotes adherence to the CDC protocol.

Service of Remembrance Entrusted to Putnam Memorial Funeral Home, 105 Agnes Street, Eatonton, Georgia 31024; Business (706) 484-2522, Cell (404) 803-0852, Fax (706) 923-1833; Harry C. Stafford, Sr., Funeral Director; Website: putnammemorialfh.com; “We Care for You and Your Loved Ones.”

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