Obituary of Stella Sanders

Stella Smith Sanders, 84, of Raleigh went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 24th, 2011, with her family by her side. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Williams and husband, Rex; her granddaughter Greyson Wright and husband, Philip; and her grandson Taylor Williams. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

She is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Wilbert E. Sanders, who went to be with the Lord in 2008; and finally they have been reunited in heaven for eternity. She is predeceased by her parents, Stella Holloway and Walter Thomas Smith, and her aunts Rosa Smith and Lula Kittrell who lovingly cared for her as their own.

She is also predeceased by siblings Harry, Herman Lee, and Wilbur Smith; Frances McDaniel, Ruth Swanda, Glen Barwick, Doris Parker, Helen Powell, Margaret Stenquist and step brother Billy Phillips.

Stella was a native of Grifton, NC and longtime resident of Raleigh, where she worked as an administrative assistant in the North Carolina State Library System. She lived a life of laughter, vitality, and faithfulness. She will always be remembered for her smile, her fun-filled spirit, and her "front row" love of church, God, and her family and friends. Stella and Wilbert will remain in all of our hearts forever for they have shown us how to love unconditionally. We have been so blessed to have them in our lives for these many precious years.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 29th at 3:00 PM at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel in Raleigh. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of Bonnie and Rex, 1305 Camille Court, Raleigh 27615.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172 or Council of Indian Nations, PO Box 1800, Apache Junction, AZ 85117.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com