Dr. Ola Goode Sanders passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 23, 1952, in Lawrence County, Alabama, to Effie Penchion Goode and Clyde Ester Goode, Sr. She grew up in Town Creek, Alabama, and graduated from Hazlewood High School in 1970. Dr. Sanders was the third youngest of three brothers and five sisters.
She was baptized at First Missionary Baptist Church in Town Creek, where she remained a member until she moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. There, she and her husband, the late Mr. Jimmy Wayne Sanders, joined the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Upon returning to Alabama, they became members of Phillips Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Huntsville. Throughout her life, Dr. Sanders was deeply involved in the C.M.E. Church.
Dr. Sanders continued her education at Alabama A&M University, majoring in Food Science and Nutrition. During her academic journey, she met her future husband, Jimmy Wayne Sanders, while traveling back to Alabama from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on an academic internship. She earned both a master’s and doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Sanders spent over 35 years in academia, serving as a Professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for 10 years and at Alabama A&M University for more than 25 years. She was a dedicated mentor and advisor, guiding many students who went on to have successful careers. Her students remained in touch with her long after graduation, a testament to her lasting impact on their lives.
In 1974, she married Jimmy Wayne Sanders, and in 1987, their son, Oliver James Sanders, was born, completing their family. This union spanned 41 years. Dr. Sanders was a loving wife, mother, and “Gran-O-Mama” (grandmother).
Dr. Sanders was preceded in death by her parents, Effie and Clyde Ester Goode; her maternal grandparents, Willie and Cornelius Penchion; her paternal grand-parents, Aaron and Sally Goode; her sister, Valrie Goode; and her late husband, Jimmy Wayne Sanders.
She is survived by her son, Oliver James Sanders, and grandson, Kaleb Omari Sanders, both of Huntsville, Alabama; four loving sisters: Sallye G. Hood, Effie Garner (David), and Carrie G. Warren, all of Town Creek, Alabama, and Gladys G. Madison of Huntsville, Alabama; three loving brothers: Clyde Goode Jr. (Vernell), and Aaron Goode (Dorothy), all of Town Creek, Alabama and Percy Goode Sr. (Barbara), of Madison, Alabama; and loving sisters-in-law: Jorja Davis Jackson, Vernilda Beckwith (Richard), Laurie Michelle Washington, and Tina Sanders Mitchum (Joseph), all of Sheffield, Alabama. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, other relatives, her godchildren, church family, sorority sisters, former students, and friends.
Dr. Sanders was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, for over 50 years and was a charter member of the Phi Upsilon Omega Chapter in Town Creek, Alabama.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Phillips Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (2185 Winchester Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Reverend Dr. Gregory Scott officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Dr. Sanders will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Phi Upsilon Omega Chapter Ivy Beyond The Wall Ceremony from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories. The Sanders family will receive guests from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2024 and 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
