N. Dean Sanders

N. Dean Sanders, age 97, local businesswoman, devoted mother and grandmother passed away on December 31, 2015 after a brief illness. Born in Kearns, Texas on January 15, 1918, her early life was spent with helping to take care of four brothers and one sister as well as two cousins. During the late 1930’s Dean’s mother, Minnie Knox, maternal aunt, Billie E. Mills, and a special friend, Mrs. Fred Miller provided inspiration and opportunities for Dean to pursue work experiences and advanced education for a career in business. She graduated from Byrd High School, Shreveport, Louisiana in 1937. Dean graduated from Kansas City Business College, Kansas City, Missouri. In the 1940’s Dean worked for the Louisiana Realtors Association in Shreveport, LA. From 1944 to 1960 she owned a local restaurant and hotel located across from the Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot in Monroe, LA. From 1973 to present (46 years) she was sole proprietor of Sanders Wholesale Florist in Monroe, Louisiana. Sanders Wholesale Florist has existed for 56 years beginning with Dean’s husband John T. Sanders in 1959. As a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, Dean always put the lives of family and friends first. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary or holiday card for those she loved. As a member of the Lea Joyner Methodist for 63 years, her (Mission) Sunday School Class was a special part of her life. She served as Treasurer of the Order of Eastern Star, Dixie Chapter No. 179 for many years and remained active well over 40 years. For fifty-seven years or more she participated as an active member of the Monroe Pilot Club serving as treasurer and in other capacities. Dean is survived by two daughters, Judy L. Ford of Monroe, LA. and Wanda Dean L. Shockey of Jacksonville, AR; two son-in-law’s, John L. Ford and Lucian H. Shockey, Sr.; two grandchildren Kathy F. Wallace and husband Luther of West Monroe, LA and Lucian H. (Hugh) Shockey, Jr. of St. Louis, MO.; and one great grandchild, Taylor Dean Wallace. She is also survived by a special nephew and niece, Darryl Gandy of Kilgore, Texas and Linda Pease of Morrisville, MO. Dean is preceded in death by her parents H.L. Gandy and Minnie Parsons Gandy Knox; husbands T. J. Langley, and John T. Sanders; brothers Orville (A. O.) Gandy, H.L. Gandy, Jr., Johnnie D. Gandy, Phineas Gandy, and sister, Juanita Gandy Parsons Giancerelli.Visitation with family will be held from 11:00 to 12 PM Monday, January 4, 2016 prior to the funeral services which will be held at 12:00 PM Monday, January 4, 2016 at Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Road (Hwy. 165), Monroe, LA. Interment will follow the services at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, Hwy 80 East, Monroe, LA. Pallbearers will be Michael Ford, Richard Biggers, Gerald Golden, Herbie Frankowitz, John Ford, and Luther Wallace. Honorary pallbearers will be the Mission Sunday School Class from Lee Joyner Memorial Methodist Church.Donations in Dean’s name may be made to the Lea Joyner Memorial Methodist Church, 4390 Old Sterlington Rd., Monroe, LA, 71203.Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.comMulhearn Funeral HomeSterlington RoadMonroe, LA