Angela Perry
My Uncle, Charles E. Sanders, was a warm and wonderful man who enjoyed life to its fullest. The youngest of five siblings, Joseph, Randolph, Juanita and George Earl Sanders, he was loved by each of them, as well as all members of his family, and everyone who grew to know him.
To his nieces and nephews he was the thoughtful, loving Uncle who never forgot to send a birthday greeting, Christmas or Easter card. I believed that this wonderful gesture was his way of filling the void for his nieces and nephews, who were left by the passing of our parents and his brothers and sisters. I also believe that this was his way of assuring us that we had one remaining uncle; and reminding us of his enduring presence and love for each of us. I loved receiving each card, so much so that I have kept them, and I will always miss receiving them in the mail.
Most recently in September, Uncle Charlie was to have traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, to join us for a Celebration of Life Memorial Service to honor my younger brother and his nephew Henry, who passed away suddenly this year, and to also attend the wedding of my niece. We were all greatly excited about his arrival and prepared the house for him, considering ways to ensure his comfort, planning meals, outings and gatherings especially for him. We were all very disappointed when he called to say he wasn’t feeling well, and that he had decided not to come.
I now know that we missed a wonderful opportunity to have spent the last weeks of his life with him; time when he would have surely told family stories, explained our family genealogy, and of course time when we would have certainly expressed our enduring love for him.
Although they are all gone, Etta and Artis Sanders, Joseph, Randolph, Juanita, George Earl and now Charles Sanders, his nieces and nephews are left with their legacy of love, concern, caring and support of family, no matter the circumstances.
It came as no surprise to us that even in death, his loving sister and brother, Juanita Sanders Perry and Joseph T. Sanders, whom by no means possessed wealth, demonstrated their love for Uncle Charlie by providing some financial support and even making certain that his final services were conducted with grace and dignity and in a manner that he richly deserved. This is love and a true example of family.
I will miss, but never forget you Uncle Charlie. Rest in heavenly peace.
Your niece,
Angela Perry
New York City, NY