Mary Sanders

Mary Ware Sanders, 91, of Clinton, SC, died Monday, June 25, 2012, at the Presbyterian Home of South Carolina. Born July 1, 1920, in Birmingham, AL, she was the widow of Charles R. Sanders (dec. 1996, former Personnel Director of Spartan Foods and General Manager of WSPA), and daughter of the late William Judson and Mollie Howard Ware. Charlie and Mary lived in Spartanburg for 39 years before moving to the Presbyterian Home in Clinton in late 1995. A loving wife and homemaker, Mary returned to college as her children attended high school. Her college education had been interrupted by the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and Charlie went on active duty with the U. S. Navy immediately after their marriage and his early graduation from Georgia Tech. Upon graduation from Furman University with an education degree majoring in history, Mary began a teaching career at Evans Junior High School and later taught at Spartanburg High School. She retired in 1983 after 20 years of service. A member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Mary served on the Pastor Nominating Committee for the first pastor called to the church in Spartanburg; she and Charlie were founding members of this church. Mary also volunteered for many years with the American Red Cross. She was known as an excellent partner in bridge, which she continued to play until her death. Survivors include her sons, Chip Sanders, a Presbyterian minister in Virginia, and Doug, a graphic artist in Spartanburg; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one niece. She was predeceased by two brothers, William and John Ware of Birmingham, AL. Visitation will be 1:00-1:45 PM Friday, June 29, 2012, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel in Spartanburg. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM, at the chapel, by the Rev. Dr. Joseph Brooks. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Spartanburg Community College Foundation for the Charles R. Sanders Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 4386, Spartanburg, SC 29305. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Ware Sanders please visit our Sympathy Store.