Mae Bell Sanders

Mae Bell Sanders, 87 years of age, peacefully departed this life on Sunday, December 31, 2023 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
 Mae Bell was born, August 30, 1936, to the late Horace and Lounette Finch in Wellford (Spartanburg) South Carolina.  Mae was educated in Spartanburg County public school district. Mae’s love of music extended to school and church. She would later meet and wed John Sanders.  This union was blessed with two (2) children; Jackie Carolyn Sanders and Shelia Ann Sanders.  After the untimely death of her husband, Mae Bell eventually relocated to White Plains N.Y. where she went on to have two (2) more children; Chappell Jamison Jr. and Horace Sam Jamison.
Mae Bell Sanders worked for AT&T for 35 years. Mae was initially hired as an operator and during her tenure was promoted to staff supervisor, and remained a supervisor until her retirement.  Mae Bell was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church where she served in many capacities: Usher Board, Pastor’s Aide, Sunday school teacher, Church choir, aide the sick & shut-in, and lead the senior bible study program.  Mae Bell Sanders truly loved the Lord.   
Mae Bell’s love of music transcended her Alzheimer’s, she enjoyed the CDs her son Chappell would make with her favorite gospel songs and Motown songs. She never forgot the lyrics to Love and Happiness by Al Green, she would often sing and dance to his music and other Motown legends. When Mae would listen to the Gospel songs, it was as if it was just her and the Lord; she would sway, sing and smile, she would have an angelic glow about her.
Mae Bell Sanders was the true definition of Matriarch for the family. She was no nonsense, but loved hard. All of the kids in the neighborhood knew Miss Mae or affectionally referred to as “Mother” would often times find themselves at her table on a regular basis relishing in a good home cooked meal. Her home was a place of refuge for friends and family.  She was a devoted mother and grandmother raising generations of children. After retirement she would travel to take care of and help raise her grandchildren no matter where they lived. Mae Bell spent four (4) years or so in Maryland living with her son Horace to take care of his two sons Kyan and Jax. Taking care of them was a very joyous time for Mae and would visit often once they started school. Mae Bell shared a close bond and unique relationship with all of her grandchildren. Whether it be providing sage advice, keeping a secret, or singing a song together, she was always present. Mae Bell had a great sense of humor, an infectious smile and a joyful laugh. When she would smile, Mae had a twinkle in her eye that was heartfelt, and you had no choice but to return a smile. Her dedication to community service and commitment to children’s childhood development in the community earned her a recognition award from the city of White Plains.    
Mae Bell leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Sheila Ann Sanders, Chappell Jamison, Horace Jamison.  Eight grandchildren Chad Sanders, Erica Sanders Monique Sanders, Dominique Sanders. Marrico Sanders, Briana Jamison, Kyan Jamison and Jax Jamison and a host of great grands, nieces, nephews and many family friends.   
 Mae Bell is predeceased by her beloved brother Marvin Finch, Aunt/Sister Alice Foster daughter Jackie Carolyn Sanders of Wellford (Spartanburg), South Carolina. and a grandson Jalen Jamison of (White Plains) New York  
 

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