Izola Sanders, 86, passed on Friday, October 31, 2025 in Phenix City, AL.

Celebration of life will be held 2:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Michael Burton, Sr., officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation is Friday, November 7, 2025 from 1 - 5 p.m. EST.

Izola Nell Sanders, affectionately known as “Nell,” and lovingly called “Bigma” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born on June 3, 1939, to the late Izora Garrett Phillips and the late Lovie Phillips.

At an early age, Nell was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Cleveland “Pete” Sanders. She was employed for many years at Fieldcrest Mills, where she worked diligently until her well-deserved retirement.

Nell accepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Throughout the years, she served wholeheartedly in numerous ministries, including the Matrons, Missionary, Usher Board, Kitchen Committee, and as a devoted Deaconess, remaining active until her health began to decline.

Known for her warm spirit and nurturing heart, Nell found joy in caring for her family and community. Her kitchen was often filled with the aroma of her delicious home-cooked meals, freshly baked cakes, and sweet pies. She had a gift for bringing people together - whether through her food, her laughter, or her quick wit shared around the kitchen table.

On Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, “Bigma” peacefully transitioned from this life to eternal rest.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cleveland “Pete” Sanders; her parents, Izora and Lovie Phillips; and her sisters, Carrie Phillips Crowell and Sarah Daniel.

Nell’s beautiful legacy lives on through her devoted daughter and caregiver, Linda (Danny) Phillips; her brother, Ben (Joyce) Phillips; three cherished grandchildren, Christopher (Sharonica) Phillips, Reginald (Tiffiny) Phillips, and Kinyetta Phillips (Daniel); fifteen adored great-grandchildren, Cameron (Naomi) Miller, Ebonee S. Phillips, Christopher Z. (Charisma) Phillips, Ja’Nya Hicks, LaNya Lewis, Johanna Brown, Jonah Brown, Joshua Brown, Dakari Phillips, Damir Phillips, Damoni Williams, Jar’Keith Phillips, Miona Phillips, Aiden Cobb, and Railyn Phillips; and four precious great-great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind a host of loving relatives and dear friends who will forever treasure her kindness, humor, and unwavering love.