Minnie Belle (Martin) Sanders

Minnie Belle Martin Sanders, age 87, of Gray, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2017 at her residence following a lengthy illness. A native of Washington County, TN, she was a daughter of the late C.E. Martin Sr., and Mary Alice Gardner Martin. Mrs. Sanders was a homemaker and retired from ITT North. She was a member of the Gray United Methodist Church, Gray, where she taught the youth Sunday School Class and Vacation Bible School.. Mrs. Sanders truly had a servant's heart. She loved to visit the shut-ins and help anywhere she could. Mrs. Sanders loved quilting and loved her Boston Terriers. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sanders was preceded in death by brothers, Ed Martin, D.C. Martin, Ralph Martin, and Walter Martin; sisters, Pearl Saylor, Ruth Martin, and Beulah Barker. Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Clifford Sanders; daughter, Diana Gail Sanders Storey and husband Rick; son, Mike Sanders and wife Debbie; grandchildren, Crystal Storey Painter and husband Scott, Wesley Storey and wife Cheryl, Travis Sanders, Kristi Sanders, Brian Sanders, Dan Sanders and wife Malinda; great grandchildren, Cliff Sanders, Laci Sanders, Allie Storey, Kayla Sanders, Gabe Sanders, and Emma Sanders; step-great granddaughters, Hannah Painter, Holly Webster and husband Levi, and Abby Painter; sister, Gerri Martin Collins and husband Kenneth; caregiver Mildred Dice; special friends, Gary, Janet, and J.D Range. Several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law also survive. The funeral service for Mrs. Sanders will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 in the sanctuary of Gray United Methodist Church, Gray, TN, with Rev. Lloyd Jones officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church prior to the funeral service. The graveside service and internment will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, at Gray United Methodist Church Cemetery. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 A.M. Active pallbearers will be the grandsons and great grandsons: Travis, Brian, Dan, Wesley, Cliff, and Gabe. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gray United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2108 Oak St, Gray, TN 37615. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mountain States Hospice for their loving care. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.appfh.net. Appalachian Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, is honored to serve the Sanders family. (423) 928-6111 Order Flowers Service DetailsTuesday, January 10th, 2017 7:00pm, Gray United Methodist Church Interment DetailsGray CemeteryRead Obituary