Obituary of Barbara Ann Sanders

Barbara Sanders affectionately known to many as “Barb An” was born on April 9, 1947 to the late Rufus and Bonnie Reed in Salem, New Jersey. She was raised by her grandparents, Jesse and Susie Mills of Penns Grove, NJ. She attended the Penns Grove Public School System. Upon graduation, Barb An moved to Trenton and attended Mercer County Community College. She met and married George Sanders and moved to Bordentown, NJ. She later attended Burlington County Community College and Trenton State College. Barb An’s employment career began in 1978 after all her children were of school age. She was employed by the State of New Jersey for over 35 years and retired in 2015 with the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. At an early age, Barb An attended Shiloh Baptist Church of Penns Grove, NJ and later accepted Christ and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend Milton Hilary. Upon relocating, she became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church of Bordentown. Barb An loved her church family and was an active member of the church for over 40 years. She served on various committees including the Pastor’s Aide, Nurse’s Unit, and Gospel Choir. She was a Facility Team Captain where she coordinated the Annual Fruit Sale. At the time of her death, she served as a Trustee and Church Treasurer. In addition to her church activities and her love to travel, she was active in several community and Prince Hall Masonic Organizations. This included Past Matron of Princess Leah Chapter No. 23 Order of the Eastern Star P.H.A, served Oziel Grand Chapter on several Grand Committees, President of the Prince Hall Family Relief Fund, Past Most Ancient Matron of Alpha Court No. 16, Heroines of Jericho P.H.A, Past Royal Grand Perfect Matron of Bernal V. Ford Grand Court, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection P.H.A, Past and Present Royal Perfect Matron, Zerubbabel Court No. 2 Ladies of the Circle of Perfection P.H.A, Member of Lady Orchid Assembly No. 44, Order of the Golden Circle P.H.A, Past Member of Cyrenaica Court No. 11, Order of the Cyrene P.H.A, Past Illustrious Commandress Khufu Court No. 118 Daughters, degree of Honorary Past Imperial Commandress, and Past Imperial Deputy for the Oasis of Trenton. Barb An is predeceased by her parents, Rufus and Bonnie, her grandparents Jesse and Susie, husband George, son General, Sr. and daughter- in-law Willa Mae Sanders. She leaves to cherish her memories; three daughters; Monica Lynn Sanders-Gideon (Thomas) of Burlington, NJ, twin daughters Bonita Sanders-Johnson (Don) of Delran, NJ and Dot Sanders of Bordentown, NJ, son Henry Sanders (Myra) of Trenton NJ, sister; Sandra Reed Cook of Mardela Springs, MD, sister-in-law; Jessie M. Wilson of Toledo, OH, grandchildren; Dennis Sanders, D’Shon Sanders, Donna Seabrooks, General Sanders, Tahesia Sanders Ford (Walter), Brishelle and Brielle Sanders and 3 great grandchildren. Barb An had two special sisters; Darlene McGilberry for over 50 years and Majorie Ellis for over 30 years. She also had many other special sons and daughters that she cherished. She was truly loved by her two adopted daughters Tonya Rhoe and Beverly Hale as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.