Bessie Irene Cleveland Sanders

Mrs. Bessie Irene Cleveland Sanders, 95, of Elberton, wife of 61 years to the late Harold Eugene Sanders, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Magnolia Estates.
 

The youngest child of the late Woodfin Adams Cleveland and Cleora Annie Higginbotham Cleveland, Bessie was born on April 21, 1929, in the Ruckersville Community of Elbert County, where she lived until graduating from Centerville High School in 1946. She then attended Southern Business University in Atlanta and upon returning to Elberton she worked at Coggins Granite Company in the business office. Bessie and Harold married in February 1951 and moved to the Rock Branch Community. In her later years, after raising three children, she worked as a clerk at Sears on the Elberton Square, but is most remembered as a bank teller at First National and Pinnacle Banks. Mrs. Sanders was a lifelong member of Ruckersville Methodist Church and often attended her husband’s home church, Rock Branch Baptist, where she was a member of the Marion Clinton Circle and various other groups.
 
A very sociable person, Bessie always made sure her home was open and welcoming for others, often with a homemade meal waiting. She could often be found tending to her flower and vegetable gardens or enjoying a checkers game. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she delighted in any time she was able to spend with them.
 
She is survived by her daughters: Vickie Daralyn Sanders of St. Simons Island, Deborah Elaine Sanders Leslie and her husband Jim of Marietta, and Sharon Lynn Sanders Cash of Elberton; granddaughter, Cathryn Irene Leslie Brennen and her husband Michael of Atlanta; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
 
Along with her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings: Margaret Melton, Fred Cleveland, and Embry Cleveland; and son-in-law, Jim Cash.
 
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 7, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.
 
Funeral services celebrating Bessie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 8, at 2:00p.m. at Rock Branch Baptist Church with the Rev. Kevin Vaughn officiating. Caty Brennen and Brittany Wright will share favorite memories. She will be placed in the church at 1:00p.m.

Burial will be in the Rock Branch Baptist Church cemetery with Jim Hulme, Michael Brennen, Derrick Thomason, Sid Gailey, David Sayer, and Howard Gailey honored as pallbearers.
 
Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, PO Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635.
 
Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.
 
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Bessie Irene Cleveland Sanders.