Viola Sanders

Viola M. Sanders, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away at home on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, four months before her 95th birthday. Born October 8, 1929, she was the youngest of four daughters born to the late Robert and Hattie McClung of Birmingham, Alabama.

 Viola gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined the First Baptist Church of Annisburg (Fairfield), Alabama under the leadership of Reverend J. C. Caldwell, which was later named Antioch Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend O. C. Oden.

Viola and the late Luster L. Sanders were united in matrimony on February 25, 1950. Luster and Viola were blessed with the joy of parenthood with one son, Melvin McClung (deceased) and four daughters - Eunice Faye Lang (Logan), Louvenia "Sandra" White (deceased), Vanessa Sanders, and Deidra Yvette Sanders. Viola was a devoted wife and mother, who instilled in her children the importance of loving and honoring God, and to face every challenge in life with a "can do" attitude. 

In 1984, Viola joined Trinity Baptist Church of Birmingham, AL. She could be constantly overheard chatting up her neighbors about her wonderful Trinity church family and how she was blessed by the Sunday sermons, singing and the special meals.

 Viola loved shopping for her matching shoes, purses, hats, and outfits, so it was not unusual to see a vibrant woman in her eighties at the Riverchase Galleria briskly walking to the next deal with her daughter, Deidra trying to keep up.

During the week, she attended her local Senior Citizens Center, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Her competitive nature showed “No Mercy” when it came to winning many games of bingo, dominoes, checkers, and card games. That same competitive nature was apparent every evening, while watching “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy”. She loved taking day and overnight bus trips with her family and friends. Family time, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays meant a lot to her. Her hands and heart were wide open, when it came to helping others. She counted it a privilege to be able to meet the needs of others, especially her family.

Viola's legacy lives on in her three daughters: Eunice Faye Lang (Logan), Vanessa Sanders, and Deidra Yvette Sanders; one granddaughter: Camryn N. Russell (James); five grandsons: Rodney D. Averhart, Derrick D. Averhart, Ronald Scales (Crystal), Patrick R. Scales, Damion L. White (Olivia); two great-grandsons: Patrick Rendall and Noah Scales; one great-grandson: Damion L.A. White; one great-granddaughter: Brooklyn N. Russell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.