Dorothy Augustus Sanderson, a lifelong resident of Mobile, AL, transition peacefully into her heavenly home on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 5:44 am.

Today we celebrate the life of our mother Dorothy Augustus Sanderson more affectionaly known as “Madear” to her children and grandchildren and D.A.S to family and friends.

She was born to Celestine Augustus on August 19, 1924.

She was preceded in death by her mother, sister, brother, her devoted husband Rev. Dr. Fred Leon Sanderson, and son James (Jimmy) Reuben III.

She was the former first lady of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where her husband the late Rev. Dr. Fred L. Sanderson was the pastor. Upon his demise, she joined the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church Family under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Howard Johnson where she served as a dedicated and loyal member until her illness.

Her faith and spiritual being played an important role in her life. Her ministries involved providing food and clothing to whomever she could help especially her neighbors.

She took pride in teaching her children, grandchildren, and their friends about the Lord and always instructed us to Trust in the Lord and put Him first in our lives.

She retired as a Bus Aide with the Mobile County Public School System. After retiring, she became a volunteer. She was the first volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House. This was her love every Tuesday until her illness. She enjoyed the great time she shared with the Community Center Dumas Wesley. Her favorite time of the year to be with family and friends was Mardi Gras especially on Fat Tuesday.

Her legacy of a full and happy life has touched the hearts of her family, the neighborhood, and many friends. She will truly be missed from sitting on the porch speaking and talking to whoever pass by the house.

Lamenting her demise but cherishing her precious memories, are three loving and devoted children; Aerial (Joseph) Donaldson, Wesley (Tracy) Sanderson, Sandra (Walter Sr) Hollinger. A devoted grandson Edward P (Courtney) Sanderson. 10 grandchildren: Marcel Reuben; San Bernardino, CA; Renee Bryant, Myronda Reuben(Eric) Jenkins; Sharpsburg, GA Myron Reuben, Erin E (Mark) Rankins, Orlando (Leon) Sanderson, Toysanya (Moe) Sanderson, Jeranda (Nikki) Boykin, Biloxi, MS, Brittany Sanderson, Atlanta, GA and Irving (IJ) Boykin II. 17 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren. Daughter-in-law Ethel Reuben; Sister -in-law Ethel Mae (Calvin) Jackson, Richmond, CA; two faithful devoted friends Dorothy Barren and Rev Johnathan L Yates; a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Four devoted and loyal neighbors; Alton (Bread) Harris, Mr. Lonnie Gamble Sr. Sharolette Bonds, and Deborah Green.

Her remains will lie in state from 1:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Small’s Mortuary, Mobile, AL
Celebration of life services will be held Friday, May 26, 2017 at 12:00pm at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church, 1850 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, Mobile, Alabama
The family will receive friends from 11:00am until funeral services at 12:00pm.

Interment will follow at the Catholic Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama

DIGNIFIED AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO SMALL’S MORTUARY, 950 SOUTH BROAD STREET, MOBILE, AL. 36603.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Augustus Sanderson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.