Elizabeth (Beth) Bethune Sanders passed away September 9th, surrounded by family. She was born March 25th, 1943 to Ruth and Roy Bethune in Cartersville, Georgia. She graduated from Cartersville High School in 1961 and graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1965. It was during this time that she met her husband, Wally (Coach) Sanders. She was an excellent storyteller and one of her favorites to tell was that of their first date. According to her, as he opened the car door for her he said, “Now listen, this is just a date, I’m not looking to get married or anything!” They were married in July of 1965 at Decatur Presbyterian, (now Decatur Methodist) and she spent the next 35 years supporting Wally and his coaching career, loving his players, and blasting the referees from the bleachers. They continued to have a loving and admirable 58 year marriage with faith, family, and basketball in the center. Beth spent over 30 years as an educator. She taught at Union Hill, West Morgan, Flint Elementary, and Frances Nungester. All of these years were spent teaching first grade which according to her was, “the very best grade to teach.” Throughout her years, Beth looked back on her time as a teacher very lovingly. She was always able to remember each one of her students and easily talk about her love for them all- especially the ones she knew needed love the most. Even in a room full of children, she was able to make each of them feel as if they were most important kid to her. Making people feel seen was a gift of hers and it didn’t stop once she left the classroom. It was during this time in education, that she made lifelong friendships with some of her co-workers. These friendships went far beyond the school walls and into homes, churches, each other’s children’s weddings, and definitely out to the farm for a hayride on the tractor. These were just some of the ladies in her corner that got her through it all. Her Bunco group, consisting of the same sweet group of friends, met for over 20 years- was filled with lots of food, jokes and fierce competition. Her school friends, the Bunco group, the “Red Hat” ladies, Rook group and her friends from church were a key part in what made her life so fulfilled. Friendship was one of Beth’s greatest values as she seemed to make new ones everywhere she went.
Beth had an immense love of singing, reading, planting flowers and of course making people laugh. But most of all, anyone who knows her, knows that her love of her family goes far beyond anything else. Her Georgia roots and family were a huge part of who she was. One of the highlights of each year was hosting her Georgia family for Thanksgiving. She was always eager to talk about her life and family in Cartersville and her hero of a father. She loved her husband and adored her two sons more than anything else. That is, until they gave her grandchildren. From the time Wally started coaching at Decatur until the last game she attended, she was Decatur High School’s number one fan. Whether it was watching her sons or grandsons play, or her granddaughter cheer. She never missed a game. Never.
Beth was the greatest wife, the greatest mother, the greatest grandmother, and the greatest friend. She loved the Lord and was delighted to lift her voice in praise to him. Whether you knew her from school, Austinville Methodist, or as the very vocal lady in the bleachers, there’s no doubt you remember an encounter with Beth Sanders. She is simply unforgettable.
Beth is survived by her sons, Hal Sanders (Pam) and Kirk Sanders (Christy); grandchildren Joe Sanders (Savanna), Ella Baker (Luke), Trey Sanders, and Sarah Sanders. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wally Sanders; parents, Ruth and Roy Bethune; sister and brother in law, Ann and Gene Holcomb, and brother Bill Bethune.
The visitation will be held at Decatur Methodist Church on Friday, September 13th from 1:00 to 3:00pm with the Reverend Jack Lovelace officiating. The Celebration of life will also be held at Decatur Methodist Church and begin at 3:00pm. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Hamby’s Chapel in Eva, AL.
A special thanks to the amazing staff and nurses at NHC Moulton and Hospice of the Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of the Valley.
Something that has helped the family through this difficult time has been hearing stories of Beth. Many of these stories are ones they have never heard before and has brought joy and laughter during this time. If you have any stories about Beth, please share them with the family. Stories and memories may be shared at www.roselawnfhandcemetery.com for the Sanders family to enjoy.
