Theda Marie Sanders

Theda Marie Sanders, 101, of Byron, Arkansas, passed from this walk of life on Monday, November 6, 2023, in Salem, Arkansas. 

She was born in Byron, Arkansas, on November 23, 1921, daughter of the late P.B. Bray and Annie Bell (Perryman) Bray. Theda was united in marriage to Jesse Howard Sanders on November 22, 1941, in Byron, Arkansas, and from this union three children were born. She spent her life as a homemaker, taking care of her family, whom she loved very much. Once her children were raised and started families of their own, she took care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, which brought great joy to her. Before Theda and Jesse started their family, Theda worked at Benson in Kansas City, Missouri, putting rivets in the planes during WWII. Theda was a kind, grateful, and caring person. She enjoyed traveling and cooking. Theda made some of the best chicken and fried pies. She always made sure to have a pot of chili and strawberry cake for all the deer hunters. She was a member of Byron Presbyterian Church in Byron. 

Theda is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Rickey Sanders of Elizabeth, Arkansas; son-in-law, Paul Switzer of Byron, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Kevin Sanders, Christy Ashley and husband Billy, Brian Sanders and Lottie, Tina Goodman and husband Shane, David Sanders and wife Ashley and Jill Wilson and husband Jarret and great grandchildren, Kriston Tharp and husband Cody, Karley Williams, Chloe Wilson, Braxton Wilson, Brody Wilson, Kendall Sanders, Gabrielle Sanders, Brady Sanders and Mailee Cushing. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Sanders; son, Howard Sanders; daughter, Linda Switzer; great granddaughter, Kennedy Sanders; five sisters, Estelle Cochran, Ada Calloway, Eula Mae Mitchell, Irene Allen and Norma Lee White and her father and mother. 

Pallbearers include: Kevin Sanders, Brian Sanders, David Sanders, Shane Goodman, Billy Ashley, Jarret Wilson and Cody Tharp 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Byron Cemetery, C/O Byron Presbyterian Church, 8978 Byron Rd., Salem, Arkansas 72576.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 10, 2023, beginning at 2:00 PM at Byron Presbyterian Church in Byron, Arkansas with Bro. Bobby Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at Byron Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Doty Family Funeral Service Chapel.