Kathleen Horton Sanders - Obituary & Service Details

Kathleen Horton Sanders

Visitation Schedule

Roller Coffman Funeral Home

923 Hwy 65 N

Marshall, AR 72650

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

6:00 till 8:00 PM

Map & Directions

Service Schedule

Roller Coffman

923 Hwy. 65 North

Marshall, AR 72650

Thursday, September 22, 2016

2:00 PM

Map & Directions

Cemetery

East Lawn Cemetery

Hwy 27 North

Marshall, AR 72650

Map & Directions

Kathleen Horton Sanders

of Marshall, AR

August 4, 1930 - September 17, 2016

The life of Kathleen Horton Sanders was a love story in every aspect of her existence. Whether she had a child in her lap, a home full of family and friends, working at her family business, or sitting quietly with her beloved husband, Kathleen was never anything but loving and gracious. Her physical beauty was surpassed only by the beauty of her loving heart and spirit; her radiant smile broke down any barriers of doubt or confusion. The passage in Proverbs 31 that describes a virtuous woman was no doubt penned with Kathleen in mind. She has left a priceless legacy to her family; her love of God and family was always so abundantly clear, even to those who may not have had the honor of knowing her well.

Kathleen was born August 4, 1930 at Zack, Arkansas to Roy and Alice (Williams) Horton; she departed this life on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the age of 86. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Sanders; and one brother and sister-in-law, T. J. and Geneva Horton.

Kathleen would surely tell you that her greatest accomplishment in this life was her family. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jimmie Sanders of Marshall; two sons, Jimmy T. (Betty) Sanders of Marshall, and Roy Gene (Jackie) Sanders of Little Rock. Kathleen's grandchildren are Jason (Rachel) Sanders, Kelli (Tinnie) Sanders, James (Amanda) Sanders, William (Lauren) Sanders, Molly Sanders, Stephen (Ellie) Sanders; great-grandchildren are Casey (Joey) Johnson, Allie Sanders, Thomas Sanders, Garret Sanders, Caroline Sanders, Grayson Sanders, and Luke Sanders. She is also survived by her brothers, Eutaw (Wilma) Horton, Willis Dale (Glenda) Horton, Eugene Horton, and Leon (Violet) Horton.

Many of you have driven vehicles off the lot of Horton Chevrolet in Marshall; Kathleen worked there for her dad for many years, beginning as a teenager and continuing until her retirement, refusing to leave until she became The Boss, which was easily achieved due to her strong ethics and leadership skills. Also as testament to her ability to successfully balance family and work life, she founded the Sanders State Farm Insurance Agency in Marshall, which was no small fete for a woman at that time. Interspersed throughout her busy schedule with family and career, she was also a member of the Marshall Chapter of the Eastern Star and the Business and Professional Women's Club.

Kathleen drew her strength from her relationship with Jesus Christ, serving her family, friends and community with a gracefulness and compassion that knew no boundaries. She was an active and faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Marshall for over 50 years, quietly serving in any capacity needed to further the cause for which she steadfastly believed.

Jimmy delighted in telling the story of how he came to love his sweetheart, Kathleen. After returning to Marshall from World War II, he began the courtship that would later become one of the greatest love stories of all time. He had taken Kathleen to the movie in town, which did not bode well with Grandma Horton. In the middle of defending Kathleen for their outrageous actions, he realized during this uncertain exchange that he had fallen hopelessly in love with this girl who had chosen him over the wishes of her mother. And because of Jimmie's loving spirit, it took no time at all to convince Grandma Horton that his relationship with her daughter was meant to be, winning not only the heart of Kathleen, but that of Grandma Horton as well. Jimmy and Kathleen were married on July 3, 1947.

It would be remiss during this celebration of Kathleen's life if her beloved Jimmie was not honored as well. Not to take away from her memorial in any way, but it was because of Jimmie Sanders and the grace of a loving God that Kathleen remained as loved and independent as she did for so many years. He honored the vow he made on July 3, 1947, when he pledged to love her in sickness and in health. The vow of love throughout a life with few hardships is honorable; but the commitment of that love throughout years of sickness and uncertainty surpasses a love that many will never know.

Although the ravages of Alzheimer's disease had robbed Kathleen of a lifetime of beautiful memories, it was never able to touch the love for her beloved husband, who had been her constant companion and sweetheart throughout their marriage of almost 70 years. He catered to her every want and need, always putting her desires above his own. What other man in Searcy County would give his wife the kitchen of her dreams, even if it was pink? Jimmie's eyes would always light up when he talked about her; the smile on his face was evidence of the happiness of his heart. In her last few years, she continued to reach out to him, secure that even though she lacked the words to tell him, she knew that Jimmie Sanders was still her beloved. Through his unwavering love and dedication for his bride, Kathleen was able to remain in his haven of protection up until the moment that God called her on to Heaven.

Funeral services for Kathleen will be 2:00 PM Thursday, September 22nd, 2016 at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Roy Ragland officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 in the Chapel. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jason Sanders, Kelli Sanders, James Sanders, William Sanders, Molly Sanders and Stephen Sanders.

Proverbs 31:28
Her children arise up, and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Sign Guestbook

22 Condolence(s)

Tracy Loggins

Jonesboro,

Dennard,

Monday, September 19, 2016

So sorry to hear. Praying for the family.