Ophelia "Geraldine" Sanders

Ophelia Geraldine Davis Sanders was born on April 3, 1931 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to the union of Gladie and Hattie Mae Jones Davis. At a tender age she was baptized and accepted Christ as her personal Savior. She was a life-long member of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where she was a member of the Inspirational Pastoral Choir and Mary Circle. She was a graduate of Peake High School. Being the mother of seven children she knew her way around the kitchen. Geraldine worked as a cook at the Ava Nell Hotel in Hot Springs and Lynn’s Truck Stop in Caddo Valley. She possessed a strong work ethic and later worked at Henderson State University for 20 plus year until she retired. Her obvious love for children excited her to become a grandmother with the Foster Grandparent Program of the Arkadelphia School District where she lovingly worked at Central Primary School. Geraldine’s favorite pastime was early morning hunting throughout the city for every rummage sale she could find. She could and would find use for her bargains. She never met a stranger and always welcomed others into her home. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by the love and laughter of her family. Being the matriarch of the Davis family she often was sought for wisdom and sound advice. On Sunday, September 4, 2016 quietly with her family by her side she passed. Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Johnny Sanders; a brother, James Beard and four sons, Kenny Davis, James C. Davis, Larry Davis and Michael Davis. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: three sons, Carlton Taylor of Arkadelphia, Bobby D. Gray (Jeanette) of Tulsa, OK and Gary Davis or Arkadelphia, AR; five grandchildren, Christopher L Gray (Kellisha), Shavonda Gray, Tiffany Gray, Marcus James and Joseph James; ten great grandchildren, DeAndre' M. Gray, Christopher L. Gray, II., Omega S. Gray, Kayla Moore, Kristenee A. Gray, Chriselli C. Gray, Christopher L. Gray, Jr., Alexis N. James, Foxx J. James, Dontavious L. Gray; six sisters, Annie L. Perry of Arkadelphia, Betty J. Helms (Robert) of Arkadelphia, Evelyn Jones of San Diego, CA, Francis J. Williams of Arkadelphia, Clarice Davis of Arkadelphia and Brenda Williams of Arkadelphia; three brothers, Charlie Davis of Little Rock, Maurice Davis (Mae) of Arkadelphia and Willie Davis of Arkadelphia. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Public visitation will be held from 12-4 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2016 at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6-7 pm. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. A celebration of her life will be shared at 11 am on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Rev. A. S. Newburn will officiate and Dr Lewis A. Shepherd will serve as eulogist. Interment will be in Helms Cemetery.