Velma Powe Sanders

Mrs. Velma Powe Sanders was born July 26, 1921 in Waynesboro, Mississippi to George P. and Laura Harris Powe. She was the only child born to this union. She was educated in the public schools of Wayneboro and was a high school graduate. At an early age, she united with Chapel Hill Baptist Church and was baptized. While a resident of Waynesboro, she taught school for several years. Mrs. Sanders moved to Texas City in 1956 and became a member of First Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. F. M. Johnson. She faithfully served with the Nurse's Aide Ministry and actively attended church until her health failed. She was united in marriage to Mr. James Hawthorne, Sr. and to this union four children were born. She later married Mr. David Thomas and to this union two children were born. She then married Mr. George Sanders who preceded her in death. Mrs. Sanders was employed with Autumn Hills Nursing Home and later with the Texas City Independent School District. She was also an active attendee of the Nessler Center Sr. Citizens program in Texas City where she attended until her health began to decline. On April 7, 2013, she quietly slipped into the arms of her loving Savior. She is preceded in death by her parents, George P. and Laura Harris Powe; her husband, George Sanders; a grandson, Tony Mathews and a great-granddaughter, Alaina Williams. Left to cherish loving memories of her life are her loving children, James (Muriel) Hawthorne, Barbara Myers, Sharon (Carl) Mathews, Gary (Glenda) Hawthorne, Gwendolyn (Norris) Williams and Joyce Mathis; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; other family members and friends.