Shirley Mary Sanders (Brown), 79, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed Sunday, May 24, 2020. Shirley was born to Frank Brown and Frances Inez Keys on, September 06, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland. When Shirley was 2 years old, she was adopted by Graham Green, and Lizzie Green, and resided in Washington, D.C. till she was 7 years old.

When Shirley was 7 she relocated with her parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was educated by her parents and the philadelphia public school system.Shirley graduated from Philadelphia Public School System.

When she was 16 she met the love of her life, Prince John Sanders, whom she married in 1956, and they lived together in South Philadelphia. Together they found a relationship with Jesus Christ while attending Bishop Robert Dawes Apostolic Ministries located at 16th and Fairmount Street. They became members and grew in Christ. Their union produced a fruitful 62 years of marriage, in which 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters, were born.

Shirley worked hard daily as a professional sewing machine operator, and a homemaker, until she retired in 1998.

Shirley was a woman of God, a true woman of faith, that raised and instilled in her children the fear and love of God. She brought her family up on love; how to show love through giving and abundant hospitality; always opening her home to someone in need. Willing always to give her last.

Shirley always cooked full meals everyday. Even up until a month before she took ill. She always wanted to make sure, if anyone was hungry, they could be fed.

Her legacy has carried on throughout her family;her grandchildren and great grandchildren; showing love and healing through the art of cooking and God centered hospitality.

She loved to laugh and have fun with her family. She also loved to travel; enjoying the beaches of Wildwood and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Richmond, Virginia. She shared stories of her childhood that will resonate with her famiy as strength in the face of struggle.

She was a peaceful but powerful matriarch whose presence was the honey that the family clung to. 

During the last months of her life, she took ill with advanced stage bone cancer. Even in finding that out she said " Jesus will see me through". 

~There are no words to express how her life touched so many. She is greatly cherished and will be truly missed~

Shirley is preceded in death by her sister, Louis Pope, and her husband of 62 years, Prince John Sanders, whom passed on April, 08, 2020.

Shirley is survived by Her 6 children: Prince John Sanders Junior (Predeceased), Eileen R. Sanders (White), Elizabeth L. Sanders, Michael T. Sanders, Gregory L. Sanders (Predeceased), and Victory M. Sanders. 

Also to Remember Her, 7 grandchildren: Tamika C. Sanders-Boston (Kelsey), Eugene A. Allen (Brittany), David B. Woods, Rashon T. Sanders, Daniella D. White, George White IV -Naval Petty Officer First Class (Jasmine), Eukeya Z. Sanders.

12 Great-Grandchildren: Deon (25), Quinton (21), Alaysia (19), Asanaa (17), Dashawn (17), Anayah (13), Dasiyah (12), Kelil (11), Rasir (10), Noah (8), Rashad (6), Kayon (2)

And special bonds with her nieces and nephews, Claudette, Mona, Phillip, and Blake, and a hosts of cousins and friends. 

A special thank you to Gilbert H. Schobert Funeral Home, located at 1677 Harrison Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124, whom helped accommodate our wishes, as well as, helping us navigate through this difficult time yet again.

Peacefully Submitted:~The Sanders Family~