Debra Sanders

Debra was born March 24, 1958 in Marshall, TX to the parentage of Charlie and Vannie Mae (Williams) Williams. It was her younger years that Debra gained a love for Christ and devoted her life to Him at the Friendship Baptist Church #1 in Karnack, TX.  She sang in the choir at Friendship as well as her neighborhood church, Zion Hill Baptist Church

On Monday, December 7, 2020, Debra Gale Williams Sanders loving wife and mother of three wonderful children, passed away at the age of 62.

Debra graduated Marshall High School in 1976 and received her Associates Degree in Fashion Merchandizing from Kilgore College, Kilgore, Tx in 1978.  Although her passion was fashion, she started her career in banking with Community Bank in Longview TX and decided to make banking a lifelong career.  She later became employed with Bank One (Now Chase Bank) for 30+ years.  She was currently working in Deposit Operations at VeraBank-Henderson. 

Debra met the love of her life, Marvin Leo Sanders, while attending Kilgore College.  That must have been an awesome ride on the back of the motorcycle of Mighty Malt (Marvin).  Both riding into the winds with smiles that could brighten anyone’s day.  On July 29, 1978, she married Marvin Leo Sanders.   After a brief stint of living in Douglassville, TX, Debra and Marvin made their lifelong home in Kilgore where they raised two sons, Marvin Durrell and Michael, and daughter Melinda. Debra had a passion for caring for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchild, sewing, cooking, and singing.  She was a long-time member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Kilgore, TX.  She served in many, many capacities and would not hesitate to assist when needed.  She was also a proud member of Texas Mass Choir, Longview Chapter.  Debra will be remembered for her infectious smile, and her kind and compassionate spirit.

Debra was preceded in death by her father, Charlie Williams; one sister, Charlene Armstead; one brother, Timothy Williams; father-in-love, Clemma Sanders and mother-in-love Ever Lois Sanders. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Marvin Sanders; two sons, Marvin Durrell Sanders, Michael Ladamian Sanders (Monique); and daughter Melinda Hyder; mother, Vannie Mae Williams; sisters, Charlie Denice (Cecil) Williams, Gwendolyn Williams Anderson, Vannie Marie Williams; brothers, Charles Williams and Christopher (Karen) Williams; one uncle, Simmie (Frances) Williams; ten grandchildren; one great grandchild; nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, choir members, and many, many wonderful co-workers and friends.

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