Easter Davis Sanders

Easter Davis Sanders, a beloved educator and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024, at the age of 85. The daughter of Allen and Millie Davis, Easter was born in 1939 in the small town of Autaugaville, Alabama.

Easter's impact on others began early in her life. Growing up as a youth in Montgomery, Alabama in the years leading to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, Easter participated as a teenager in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was a witness to Rosa Parks' arrest. Easter was also a member of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1957.

After high school, Easter stayed in the Montgomery area to attend Alabama State University. Always very studious, Easter graduated from Alabama State in only three years in 1960. It was at Alabama State that Easter became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and also met her beloved husband Roosevelt Sanders, Jr., who also graduated from Alabama State in 1960. Easter and Roosevelt were married that same year, following graduation. After Roosevelt attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1963, their young family settled in Memphis, Tennessee, Roosevelt's hometown.

Easter was a beacon of knowledge and kindness throughout her life. With an insatiable passion for math, she dedicated herself to the pursuit of education. For over 30 years, she imparted wisdom, discipline, and guidance as a devoted teacher first at Ross Road Elementary School and Capleville High School and then for many years as an algebra teacher at Germantown Middle School, shaping the minds of countless students who fondly remember her dedication and warmth.

Beyond her professional life, Easter was a vibrant soul with a myriad of interests and hobbies. She delighted in the joy of crossword puzzles, engaged in spirited card games, and indulged in some of her favorite game shows (The Price is Right, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune). Post-retirement, she relished in the excitement of bingo nights and in her travel with Roosevelt to new destinations in and outside of the country. A devout Christian, Easter was an active member of Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church and its predecessor, Olivet Baptist Church, for many decades, where she found solace and community in her faith.

Easter also generously shared her gifts in math to help improve the lives of others. She spent many hours tirelessly tutoring children in her neighborhood who needed assistance in math. She also prepared taxes for those in need for many years until her early 80's.

Easter's family was at the center of her world. Easter and Roosevelt shared a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Together, they raised three sons, creating a home filled with warmth and affection. As first-generation college graduates who did not grow up having equal access and opportunity to the requisite educational resources, they were especially proud that their three sons attended and graduated from college: Michael (University of Tennessee); Gerard (University of Richmond; Devry Institute of Technology); and Reginald (Florida A&M University; Harvard Business School).

Although preceded in death by her husband in 2015 and her son Gerard Sanders (Beverly) in 2023, her legacy lives on through her sons, Michael Sanders (Virginia) and Reginald Sanders (Rhonda); grandchildren, Torey, Symone, Gerayl, Shaquille, Taurean, Matthew, and Victoria; great-grandchildren, Kaidence and Greyson; nieces, Vicki and Deborah; great-niece, Veronica; goddaughter, Maggie; and several other relatives and friends.

Easter Davis Sanders will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her unwavering love, generosity, and wisdom will forever remain in the hearts of those who were touched by her presence.

May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire generations to come.

A celebration of Easter's life will be held at Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church on April 8, 2024, where friends and family will gather to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life. Visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. followed by funeral services at 11:00 A.M., repast at 12:00 Noon, and burial at 2:00 P.M. at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Mrs. Sanders is under the care of M.J. Edwards Funeral Home at 1165 Airways Blvd, Memphis, TN 38114.