Debra Denise Sanders "Sapphyre"

Ms. Debra Denise Sanders “Sapphyre” began her earthly journey in life on December 1, 1962, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, the daughter of Connie B. and Rose Mary Sanders. She gained her eternal wings and entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the age of 60 years.

At a young age, Debra and her family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan. Debra was a member of Mt. Olive Institutional Missionary Baptist Church, currently under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Marvin T. Smith. After relocating to Marietta, Georgia, she attended Destiny World Church, Pastor Wilbur T. Purvis. She attended Buena Vista and Saginaw Public Schools and was a 1980 graduate of Saginaw High School. Debra then attended Saginaw Valley State University. One year later she moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where she received a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Norfolk State University. After graduating college, Debra began exploring new opportunities, remaining in Marietta, Georgia, until her passing.

Debra was a faithful employee of Deluxe Financial for over 20 plus years. Always willing to help others, Debra was very active within her community. She was currently a board member of the Abiding Love Foundation where she coordinated events and fundraisers for Breast Cancer Awareness. Debra loved fellowshipping and doing volunteer work with her “Sister Circle.”

She was an extensive traveler, often saying the Atlantic Ocean was her favorite spot because of her love for water. Her favorite vacation destinations were Turks & Caicos Islands, Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico and Las Vegas. Debra loved life and she lived it to the fullest. Gone too soon and never forgotten, her wonderful presence and beautiful smile will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Debra leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Rose Mary Sanders; one sister, Sandra Fay Sanders, Saginaw, Michigan; two brothers, Cedric Jamison, Chicago, Illinois, and Michael L. (Sheritta) Sanders, Whitehall, Arkansas; eight nieces, Temprest Brown, Crystal Sykes, Andrea J. Sanders, Amaris J. Sanders, Kourtney Sanders, Mariah (Derrick) Thompson, Alyssa and Makayla Sanders; three nephews, Curtis Tisdale Jr., Keith (Janice) Tisdale and Michael L. Sanders Jr.; six great-nieces; twelve great-nephews; two great-great-nieces and two great-great-nephews; four aunts, Martha Lou Sanders, Memphis, Tennessee, Florece Sanders, Jackson, Mississippi, Rosa Sanders and Mattie Reece Sanders both of Southaven, Mississippi; three god-children, Tyara Thompson, Brooke and Braxton Carter; two god-brothers, Tommie L. Pearson Jr. and Thomas Bell Jr.; four god-sisters, Tamara B. Pearson, Tiffany, Timitra and Tracy Bell; many other relatives and friends including special friends, Antonio Clark, Towanda Braxton and the entire Braxton family, Tammy Johnson, Cheryl Pruiett, Barbara Price-Roberson, Janice Anderson, Brandon Harrison, Wayne Hines, Maurice Jewell, Greg Wilson, Kim Robinson, Torrence McIllwain, Marilyn Pearson, Catrice Maddox, Reverend Robert Williams III, Deborah Bandy, Jacqueline Woody, Duane Coleman, Willa Haney, and Carl Bond; Vontysha Pittman, a special cousin with whom she would take her lunch hour from school to go and babysit; they remained close until Debra's passing; she also leaves her “Sister Circle” friends, Lavita Simpson, Chyrean Toler, Shavona Brooks, Unique Hiram, LaShae Stevenson, Alicia Bennett and Lorraine Herring.

Debra was preceded in death by her grandparents, Reverend Samuel L. and Rosie Hunt; father, Connie B. Sanders; sister, Minnie P. Tisdale; brother-in-law, Curtis Tisdale Sr.; several aunts and uncles; two special friends, Hollistine Bell and Reginald Patterson.

The Sanders family wishes to express sincere thanks to Antonio Clark for being there until the end; Jeffery Woods and the staff of Myricks Funeral Home, Kosciusko, Mississippi; Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, and everyone who offered kind words and condolences.