Mary (Bee) Sanders

Athens, GA- Mary Easley Sanders (Bee) passed away Wednesday evening October 14, 2009 from complications of congestive heart failure. She celebrated her 100th birthday on May 27th of this year with her friends and family. She was residing in the Heritage Home, 960 Hawthorne Avenue, and was under Hospice care. Mary was born in Bluefield, West Virginia to Estelle and William C. Easley and attended Bluefield schools. She graduated from Bluefield College in 1929 and married Walter M. Sanders, II on October 12, 1929. Mary and Walter moved into the Sanders' House in January 1930 when Walter took over as manager of the family farm from his mother Vicie. Mary and Walter were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Bluefield, WV. Where they were long time choir members and Mary taught Sunday school. They were also avid gardeners and members of local garden clubs. After Walter's death in 1968, Mary moved to Athens, Georgia to be close to her son Walter M. Sanders, III and his family. She managed the Charleston Townhouse Apartments on Church Street and joined her daughter-in-law, Emily Sanders in opening and operating Bee's Business, a nursery and greenhouse business, on Epps Bridge Road in Oconee County, GA. Mary was an Elder in Friendship Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Ladies' Garden Club. She is survived by her son Walter M. Sanders, III and his wife Emily Joyce Sanders of Athens, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Emily S. Rea and her daughter Emily Marie of Athens; Walter M. Sanders, IV and his wife Dianna and children Stephanie Joanne and Walter V of Charlotte, NC; A. Brian Sanders and his wife Susan and children Brian Grayson and Aubrey Jane of Lithia, FL; and Stephen C. Sanders of Charlotte, NC. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 3:30 PM at Friendship Presbyterian Church, 8531 Macon Highway, Athens, GA followed by a reception in the Friendship Room of the church. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Friendship Presbyterian Church in Athens, GA or the First Presbyterian Church in Bluefield, WV. A Burial Service will be held later at the Sanders' family plot in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, VA. Information submitted by Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory. Those wishing to share memories or leave condolence messages may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com