Llenell J. Sanderson

Llenell Jones Sanderson, age 82, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on May 23, 2006. Born and raised in Dahlonega, she moved to Alpharetta in 1954 to pursue her love of teaching children. A graduate of North Georgia College and Atlanta University, she spent the next thirty plus years with the Fulton County Schools, teaching at Morgan Falls Elementary, Alpharetta Elementary, North Roswell Elementary and finally retiring as principal of Kimball Bridge Elementary. She continued working for a number of years as a substitute teacher at various schools throughout North Fulton County. The proud World War II veteran of the Navy continued to serve her country with patriotic duties through the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary as a member of Post 201. Since 1975 she held every office of the State of Georgia Auxiliary, and in 1980 she was installed as State Auxiliary President. Later she served as the State Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain for the American Legion, visiting veterans and participating in official ceremonies and activities. An active promoter of Girls State, she worked with local high schools to award scholarships for deserving young women and continued her love of teaching each summer as the Girls State Government Instructor. She put her teachings to work by volunteering as a poll worker and manager for years in federal, state and local elections. As a faithful member for over fifty years of the First United Methodist Church in Alpharetta, she was a Sunday school teacher, a member of United Methodist Women, and an active participant in other church activities. She also belonged to the North Fulton Retired Educators Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Georgia Mothers Association, where she was the recipient of Mother of the Year. Values such as God, Country and Community service were inherent in her, and that is how she lived her life as a member of the "Greatest Generation." As busy as she was with all these activities, she always had time for her precious family, and her greatest joy was being a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She looked forward every year to the Jones Family Reunion in her beloved hills of Lumpkin County. She always had a smile and a kiss ready for anyone she met. She is survived by Brad Sanderson, Sr.; sons and daughters-in- law: Brad, Jr. and Judy Sanderson, Alpharetta; Fred and Carey Sanderson, Roswell; Johnny and LaDonna Jackson, Canton; grandchildren: Brent and Kendra Sanderson, Cumming; Justin Sanderson, Roswell; and Jessica Sanderson, Roswell; great-grandson Brody Sanderson, Cumming; brother-in-law Neal Rumble Sr. Dothan, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews who called her "Aunt Nell." Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, with the remains placed in state at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Don Martin, Dr. Hal Brady officiating. Interment will be in the Jones Chapel/Bethlehem cemetery in Dahlonega at 3 p.m. with Rev. Gene Davis officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Jones Chapel/Bethlehem Cemetery Fund c/o Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1101 Camp Wahsega Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 or Alpharetta First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 69 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30004. The family wil receive friends on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, 12050 Crabapple Rd., Roswell, 770-645-1414 (www.northsidechapel.com)

Llenell J. Sanderson

October 20, 1923 - May 23, 2006