Mrs. Frances Rosanna Sanders

On May 14, 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, Frances Rosanna Sanders, entered into eternal rest at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina. Born in Elloree, SC, and raised in Sumter, Frances was the daughter of the late Walter and Almeta Gregg. She was one of two children and developed a strong sense of purpose and dedication from an early age. She graduated from Lincoln High School at just 16 years old and went on to South Carolina State College, where she earned her degree in Education. Teaching was not just her profession—it was her ministry. She returned to Sumter and served in the Sumter County Public School system for over 40 years, teaching grades 1 through 5, with third grade holding a special place in her heart. Frances believed in nurturing not just the minds of her students, but their spirits. She encouraged children to be lifelong learners, to take responsibility for their actions, and to strive for excellence. Her influence shaped generations. Even after retirement, she continued her mission as a volunteer at Berea Junior Academy for 20 additional years. There, she became more than an educator—she was a guiding light, a grandmotherly presence, and a steadfast supporter of Christian education. The students and families of BJA came to trust not only her academic wisdom but her spiritual discernment. Frances was a faithful and humble member of Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she worshiped and served for many years. She was a faithful participant in the many organizations of the church until her health failed. Frances’ life was anchored in the promises of scripture, especially Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” and Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Sanders; her daughter Patrice Sanders Bess; her son Ronald Wayne Sanders; her granddaughter Denise Bess; and her parents, Walter and Almeta Gregg. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving children: Robert James Sanders III of Georgia and Melanie Sanders Stewart of Florence, SC; grandchildren Michael Bess, Wendy Brown, Ryan Sanders, and Alyxandria Stewart; great-grandchildren Quentin Brown, Me’Kayla Loney, Johnathan Norris, Tionna Loney, and Melody Norris; god-daughters Lacreasha Brown, Kenndra Brown, and Ebony Murphy; and a host of extended family and dear friends. To those who knew her, Frances was the very personification of the word “MOTHER”—loving, caring, and self-sacrificing. She walked humbly with her God and showed His love to all who crossed her path. A daughter of the King, she now rests in His eternal embrace. “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Romans 8:38–39 (KJV)

Mrs. Frances Rosanna Sanders

June 22, 1931 - May 14, 2025