Elnora Williams Sanders

Mrs. Elnora Williams Sanders, the daughter of the late Sylvester Williams and Claudia Vinson Williams, was born on October 11, 1932 and departed this earthly world on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at home in Smithfield, NC. She was the eldest of eight children. She was born in Sampson County, NC and lived in Newton Grove, NC with her father, Sylvester Williams and stepmother, Blanche Monk Williams. Elnora was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late John Surles, Jr. in 1950. To this union three children were born and two preceded her in death: her son, Leon and her daughter, Phyllis Surles Smith. In 2000, she married Deacon Robert Sanders, who also preceded her in death. Elnora received her Adult Education High School Diploma from Johnston Technical Institute on
August 18, 1976. "Mother" Elnora Sanders was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother. She was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Church of Deliverance and she served on the Mother Board until her death. One of her favorite songs was "Let It Be Real." She enjoyed life, attending family gatherings, and she was a friend to everyone. After retiring from Bayer Pharmaceutical Company, she worked in the health care field helping and serving others in surrounding communities. She regularly attended the Smithfield Senior Center and enjoyed playing games, learning arts and crafts and eating meals. She leaves to cherish her memory: one son, Glen (Mollie) Surles of Middlesex, NC; a granddaughter, whom she raised as her own, Lakessia Barnes; four other grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren; seven brothers and sisters, Charles Williams of Brooklyn, NY, Mary Elizabeth Williams of Charlotte, NC, Larry (Ora Mae) Williams , Betty W. Oates, Levi Williams, Randy Williams, and James Williams all of Newton Grove; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives
and friends.


Thursday, March 22
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577

Wake :
Friday, March 23
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Mt. Zion Church of Deliverance
908 South Avenue
Smithfield, NC 27577

Funeral Service:
Friday, March 23
3:00 PM
Mt. Zion Church of Deliverance
908 South Avenue
Smithfield, NC 27577

Interment:
Friday March 23
Sunset
Smithfield, NC 27577