James Edward Sanders

In Loving Memory of Deacon James Edward Sanders

Deacon James Edward Sanders, age 85 was born on April 12, 1941 to the late James Hubert Sanders and Vernell Sanders in Smithfield, NC. God called him home on Friday, June 5, 2026. He was the oldest of 10 siblings. He graduated from Johnston County Training School in Smithfield, NC. His parents saw the need for their family to have a firm and stable foundation , therefore; they looked to the Word to make it happen. His family attended Sanders Grove Baptist Church in Smithfield, NC where James was ordained as a Deacon and he played the piano and began to sing with The Gospel Lights Choir.Proverbs 18:22 says, He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. He met the late Eva Pearl Turner and they were married on September 5, 1959. To this union were born two boys and two girls. Deacon Sanders was a strong believer in Family first. He cherished and loved his family. He worked for Burlington Mills Industry in Smithfield,NC for 25 plus years. Later, he went on to work for Firestone where he retired in 2006. Although he was busy working, he always made time for his family. He loved to travel and take his children various places. He loved to play basketball, roller skate and swim with his children. Each year, the family took a vacation. On December 31, 2012, his first love, Eva Turner Sanders was called home to be with the Lord.Deacon Sanders met a faithful friend in the 70’s , Trustee Vertis Richardson. They formed a group called the True Lights of Selma. The True Lights sung and performed for many years. He was a lead singer with the True Lights of Selma for over 40 years. He was also a part of another singing group called the New Spiritual Messengers. One of his favorite songs was “ I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hands. He loved to sing and play the piano. James was a faithful member of Christ Fellowship Church of God of Prophecy in Selma, NC. He worked tirelessly to make sure that the church was clean and the lawns were taken care of. Edward, as many family members affectionately called him was also a member of Sanders Grove Baptist Church from a youth until he became a young adult.Deacon Sanders being the family man that he was, met another love of his life. He married Bertha Joyner Stancil on April 1, 2016.James loved and cherished her every moment that they were together. Every time that you saw Deacon Sanders, he was always Absolutely, Marvelous, Fantastic, Blessed and Highly Favored.He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Bertha Stancil, his children, Deborah Sanders, Selma ,NC, Belinda White (Ronnie) Selma, NC and Duane Sanders (Andrea) Selma, NC. He has one sibling, Delphine Sanders (Secret) of Philadelphia, PA and three sister in laws: Dora Mustipher, Clayton, NC, Melva Moses, Jamaica Queens, NY, and Margie Turner (Owen) Smithfield, NC and Shelton Eason (brother in law) Clayton, NC. He has 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents , his wife, Eva, his oldest son James Jr. and his 8 siblings Betty Ann, Addie Mae, Mary Lois, Christine, Annette, Darlice, and George (Bro) Sanders.His life was a living testimony of his faith, service, hard work and love.