Bettie Ruth Sanders was born on June 13, 1946 to the union of the late Hilmer Barnes and Lee Girtha Barnes in Collins, Mississippi. She was the oldest of seven siblings.
Bettie was educated in the Covington County school system. She furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi Valley State University (May 24, 1970) and a Masters of Education in Special Education Administration from the University of South Alabama (August 26, 1993).
Bettie worked in the Harrison County Schools Systems for over 30 years completing several roles as a Elementary School Teacher at Lizana Elementary, a Special Education Teacher at North Gulfport Middle School, and even taught Adults at night looking to obtain their GED. She later moved to Special Education Administration where she was the Assistant Special Education Director of Harrison County School District. She was loved by both staff and students and believed in the importance of education and advocacy which she passed to her children. Her favorite quote was "Teach them and they will not forget you."
She was on the Board of Byron Sanders Think Success Nonprofit and helped to coordinate Bookbag Drives, Back to School Events, Education Seminars and Basketball Camps. She was a major supporter of local Black businesses, leaders and politicians. She was a strong educational advocate always willing to give of her time, talent, and treasures.
Bettie lived and enjoyed life to the fullest. She celebrated life with her four sisters: Lee Ruth Watson of Collins, MS; Zelmer Dawes of Stone Mountain, GA, the late Peggy Tott-Sanders, and Pinkie Barnes of Decatur, GA, as well as two brothers, the late Hilden Barnes and Jimmy Barnes of Collins, MS. She has many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who loved and adored her.
Bettie married Otis Sanders, Sr. on February 20, 1971 and they were blessed with two daughters: Angela Sanders of Durham, NC and Devin (Keelan) Brown of Durham, NC and three sons: Denver (Shelly) Saucier of Lake Elsinore, California, Otis (Janice) Sanders of Gulfport, MS, and Byron (Latoya) Sanders of Chapel Hill, NC. She adored her grandchildren Sesleigh Saucier, Denver (Natalia) Saucier, Jr., Carson Saucier, O'Jahnae Sanders, Olivia Sanders, Otis Sanders, III, Keelan Brown, Jr., Sydney Brown, Semih Sanders and great grandchildren Kennedy Henry and Kassidy Saucier. She also has a great nephew who held a special place in her heart, Jacob Barnes.
Bettie accepted Christ as her personal savior at a young age. She joined Old Hopewell Baptist Church in Collins, MS. After moving to Gulfport, MS, she later joined Friendship Baptist Church under Pastor Melvin Hendricks, St. James Baptist Church under Pastor Eddie C. Hartwell, and Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church under Pastor Phillip McSwain, Sr. Bettie attended First Calvary Baptist Church in Durham, NC for the last several years of her life under Pastor Emeritus Fredrick Davis and current Pastor Marc Lavarin.
Bettie loved spending time with family and sowing into her grandchildren. She loved traveling, playing bingo, watching game shows, UNC college basketball, New Orleans Saints, reading, and listening to gospel music.
Bettie Ruth Sanders left a lasting legacy of love, service, and dedication to education and community, impacting the lives of many with her kindness and wisdom.

Thank you so much for your heartfelt condolences in remembrance of my mother, https://www.lockettwilliams.com/obituary/bettie-sanders Bettie Sanders. In response to numerous requests, we have established a https://gofund.me/b2443f9b memorial fund in her honor for those who would like to make contributions in place of sending flowers. Your kindness and support during this difficult time mean the world to us. We are deeply grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity.