06/24/1949 - 06/25/2026

OBITUARY:

Born to Frank Sanders, Sr. and Bertha Sanders in Vaiden, Mississippi on June 24th, 1949, Mary entered the world exactly the way she lived in it-with purpose, personality, and enough laughter to keep everyone around her smiling. She was the third born of six children. Her twin, Flora Jean died at birth. She entered her eternal rest on the early morning hours of Thursday, June 25, 2026, just hours after her 77" birthday.

At an early age, Mary made the most important decision of her life by accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized at Tuckerville Missionary Baptist Church in Vaiden, Mississippi, where she began building the faith that would guide her throughout her life. In the years to follow, Mary became a devoted and faithful member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Durant, Mississippi, under the current leadership of Reverend John Jackson. Mary joyfully served for many years in several capacities including church secretary, choir member, missionary society and the finance, program and pastor aide committees until her health declined.

Mary found joy in serving both God and His people. She had a way of demonstrating her love for you; whether it be visiting you in your time need, offering a helping hand, or simply hosting an impromptu house gathering and cooking her favorite dishes. Mary had a passion for sports and would attend sporting events as often as she could. She enjoyed shopping and dressing up for church and special events.

As a young adult, Mary became the proud mother of two sons, Kelsey and Kory Sanders. On September 29th, 1985, Mary united in Holy Matrimony with the love of her life, Houston Patterson, and to this union, her third son, Keri Patterson, was born. She also has a stepson, Darrin Gutter.

Mary was educated at Durant Attendance Center in Durant, MS. She held several jobs as a young adult and spent many years working at Durant Sportswear. She later became invested in pharmacy while working at Discount Drugs and decided to continue her education at Holmes Community College to obtain her certification as a pharmacy technician. After its closure, Mary joined the team at Rebecca's Drugs in Goodman, Mississippi. Although she loved pharmacy, more customers came into the drugstore to enjoy one of Mary's delicious cheeseburgers that she prepared in the café area of the store. After retirement, Mary joined forces with Central Mississippi, Inc. as a community worker. Mary truly enjoyed serving and giving ack to the community, which eventually led her to run for the office of alderwoman in hopes of making influential changes in her community. She was truly dedicated to everything she loved.

Mary showed her love through her quick wit, comedic charm and the way she prepared food for those she loved. She had a special way she spoke in riddles that would make you scratch your head but ultimately laugh and smile once you caught on.

Her distinct high pitched, chirpy voice was like no other and she could make even the most uncomfortable conversations enjoyable. You knew she loved you when she would call you "Doll." This term of endearment was not gender specific and even the men smiled when she would call them that name. If you knew Mary, you know that she always wanted a girl of her own and would attempt to take her nieces, granddaughter, or any girl for that matter. She truly shared a very special love for all of nieces that was unmatched. Familv was the center of her world. Nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than her precious grandchildren. They were her greatest joy, her favorite audience, and the reason behind some of her proudest moments.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Houston M. Patterson; her parents, Frank and Bertha Sanders; her twin sister, Flora Jean Sanders; her brother, Frank Sanders, Jr.; her nephew, Marlon Sanders; and her brother-in-law, Tommie Ellis.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved sons, Kelsey Sanders, Kory Sanders (both of Durant, MS) & Keri Patterson (Brandon, MS); her cherished grandchildren, Demetrius Kelly, Shakela Thompson, Markis Thompson, Ta'mara Riley, Aeryk Wright, Jerekayah Smith, Kamille Brooks, Saint Patterson, Julian Patterson & Darria Gutter; her great grandchildren, Demetrius Kelly, Jr., DeMya Kelly, Nori Wallace, Zion Wright, Nubian Wright, Zaire Levy, Ja'Mayah Thompson, Xavier Williams, Kendi Winchester, Kalon Winchester, & Baylon Winchester; her sisters, Earnestine Ellis & Louise (Jimmy) Sanders (Durant, MS); her brother, Joseph (Joyce) Sanders (Durant, MS); two aunts, Minnie McLemore and Juanita McBride (both of Chicago, IL); in-laws, Lucious (Sheila) Patterson, Will (Verna) Patterson, and Bervia Wiggins; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends and her church family whose lives are forever brighter because they knew her.

Mary's legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.