Merrelle B. (Brannen) Sanders

Merrelle Brannen Sanders was born in Stilson, Georgia on April 5, 1933, to Julian Brannen and Ozella (Weir) Brannen. She passed away on February 2, 2025, in Richardson, Texas.

Merrelle graduated from Savannah High School in 1950. She went on to earn an Associate's degree from Armstrong Secretarial School. She enjoyed a career as an Executive Assistant at Eaton Corp. and Digital Equipment Corp. She also worked as a real estate broker for several years. In 1988, Merrelle retired. 

She married the love of her life, Donald P. Sanders, on December 29, 1953. The two remained united in holy matrimony until he passed away on May 29, 2009. 

Merrelle accepted Christ as a child and grew up in the Methodist denomination. She later attended Baptist and nondenominational churches. She was a home host for Couples' Bible Study and a Den Mother for Boy Scouts.

Among many hobbies, she delighted in sewing, cooking, painting, and music (especially her husband’s harmonica performances). She also enjoyed football. 

Merrelle will be fondly remembered for her warm, resourceful, personable, and supportive nature. She had a memorable ability to be humorous with a positive attitude everywhere she went. She was independent with a genuine curiosity and interest in people, and her loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald P. Sanders; sister-in-law, Gray Ebert; mother, Ozella (Weir) Brannen; and father, Julian Brannen. 

Those left to cherish precious memories include her son, Richard W. Sanders; daughter, Diane M. Neal; daughter, Susan Borgstrom; son-in-law, Andrew Borgstrom; niece, Lisa Vodvarka; grandchildren - Jonathan Neal, Laura Luburich, James Sanders, Amy Clark, Sarah Tindall, Elisabeth Lujan, Hudson Sanders, Ellie Borgstrom, and Amy Borgstrom; and 16 great-grandchildren. 

In memory of Merrelle, all are encouraged to consider a memorial gift to Stronghold Ministries, a cancer and support ministry. Click the link below:

Stronghold Ministry

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