Minnie Mae Eldridge Sanders

Minnie Mae Eldridge Sanders was born to the late Booker T. Eldridge, Sr. and the late Maude Anderson Eldridge. She began her earthly journey on July 5, 1930 in Johnston County, Bentonville, North Carolina, and went to eternal life on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at her home in Smithfield, North Carolina.
Minnie Mae was educated in the Johnston County Public School System and graduated from Johnston County Training School in 1948. As the oldest of seven children, Minnie Mae was often responsible for caring for her younger siblings, as well as tending to the housekeeping and cooking. Not only did she handle all of these responsibilities, but she also mastered her school work by achieving honor roll each year.
At an early age, she joined and was baptized at Bentonville Disciple Church, Bentonville, North Carolina where she remained a member until she moved to Washington, DC. Minnie Mae relocated to Plainfield, New Jersey in 1953. While making a new life for herself and family, in February 1954, she joined Mount Olive Baptist Church. She was an active member for over 50 years. She worked tirelessly as a faithful member serving Mount Olive as a Trustee, Usher, Church Clerk, and Kitchen Committee Chair-person. After a brief illness, Minnie Mae decided to return to North Carolina. She then joined First Missionary Baptist Church, Smithfield, North Carolina all while keeping her membership at her beloved Mount Olive.
On February 8, 1949, Minnie Mae was united in holy matrimony to Theodore (Duck) R. Sanders, Sr. From this union, they were blessed with two children - Blondell and Theodore, Jr.
Minnie Mae had a big heart and loved her family and friends. Whether you needed a place to sleep or a bite to eat you were always welcome. Anyone who knew her knew that she was an excellent cook. Although everything she cooked was delicious, her signature dishes were chopped BBQ, homemade biscuits, applejacks and chocolate cake. Her cooking was made with love, as she was filled with joy to feed any and everyone who came to her home.

Although she loved to eat her enjoyable southern food her favorite food was a good old sweet watermelon. Oh, and let us not forget about those hats. On any given Sunday, you could find her attending church wearing a gorgeous hat and her matching outfits with such class and grace.
Because Minnie Mae was so caring and compassionate, many people would confide in her and seek her advice. She always had kind and encouraging words to share. Her warmth and bright smile could fill a room.
Minnie Mae was a dedicated worker formally employed at Westinghouse Corporation in Edison, New Jersey for several years before retiring from RCA Corporation in Somerville, New Jersey in 1988. After retirement, for a brief period, she joined her brother's at their family business, J&S Used Appliances in South Plainfield, New Jersey. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, making crochet afghans and gardening. She also loved to play a good game of "500 Rummy" with her family. Over the years, even though her knees were weak to walk, she continued to look forwarded to visits to Atlantic City every year!
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Theodore (Duck) R. Sanders, Sr; her parents, Booker T., Sr. and Maude Eldridge; sister, Eloise Underwood; brother, Booker T. Eldridge, Jr.; and son-in-law, Charles Watson.
Minnie Mae leaves to cherish her memories: two children, Blondell Watson of Smithfield, NC; and Theodore Sanders, Jr. (Vernell) of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Carla Henry (Darryl) of Piscataway, NJ; Miesha Gibson of Houston, TX; and Anthony Sanders (Ebony) of Albuquerque, NM; five great-grandchildren, Deonna and Daria Henry; Julian, Devin and Ryan Gibson; one sister, Maude Nixon of Four Oaks, NC; three brothers, Arnold Eldridge of Scotch Plains, NJ, Sherwood Eldridge and James Eldridge both of Piscataway, NJ; one sister-in-law, Theresa Eldridge of Greensboro, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.



Visitation:
Wednesday, March 14
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8416

Wake:
Friday, March 16
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Mount Olive Baptist Church
216 Liberty Street
Plainfield, NJ

Funeral Service:
Saturday, March 17
9:00 AM
Mount Olive Baptist Church
216 Liberty Street
Plainfield, NJ

Interment:
Saturday March 17
Lake Nelson Memorial Park
606 S. Randolphine Road
Piscataway, NJ