Willa Mae Sanders

A resident of Ocean Springs, MS, Willa Sanders passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on December 4, 2024, at the Lighthouse Assisted Living facility in Ocean Springs.

Born in 1927 in Greenville, SC into a large family, Willa was the daughter of Luther Morris and Tryphena (Austin) Morris and one of four children. She graduated from Woodward High School in Cincinnati, OH and went on to pursue a career in Nursing beginning in 1954.

Willa had a decorated and prominent career of practice with the Ohio Department of Mental Health. She managed a number of nursing units and cared for thousands of patients and families in her tenure. She retired with distinction in 1985 after a more than 30-year career.

A lifelong learner and committed to compassionate care, Willa had a wide range of interests and travel destinations. Upon retirement, she went to work in the Nursery at the Children’s Hospital, feeding and caring for the most in need of care. Her curiosity extended to learning about other cultures through travel. She traveled extensively throughout the US and other countries to include Canada, France, Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

A born leader, she joined the Order of Eastern Star, Elisha Chapter #89 in 1972, She rose to the office of Worthy Matron for 3 terms, 1979, 1992, and 1993. She served in conjunction with her husband, Clarence Sanders, as Worthy Patron in 1992, She served in multiple roles with the Girls Assembly, earning the title of Mother Advisor Emeritus. In honor of her dedication to the organization, Sheba Assembly #18, was rededicated as Willa M. Sanders Assembly #18 in 2016.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Clarence Sanders.

Willa is survived by her son and daughter in law, Brian and Linnea Lake of Ocean Springs, MS; her sister, Virginia McMorris of Greenville, SC; her grandchildren, Denee’ Wilkerson and Ryan Lake; and her great grandchildren, Laniyah and Lake Wilkerson.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of the Lighthouse and Deaconess Home Health and Hospice, for their care and compassion for Ms. Willa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made for your local food pantry. Willa believed no child should ever go hungry.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit thirty minutes prior. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Willa Sanders.