Hortensie Sanders

Mrs. Hortensie Sanders died January 17, 2022 at Hospice of the Golden Isles. Graveside service will be 1:30 pm Monday, January 24, 2022 at Greenwood Cemetery 3009 Newcastle Street. Public viewing will be Monday, January 24, 2022 from 12 to 1 pm in the Chapel at the Brunswick Funeral Home,  2700 Albany Street. Face Coverings should be worn & Social-Distancing Protocols will be observed. 

Her Story

Hortensie Harrell, affectionately known as “Tensie”, was born on November 16, 1931 in Eastman, GA.  Raised as an only child by her grandparents, she moved to Ocilla, GA and received her education from the Irwin County School District. She married and had 3 daughters. The young family relocated from Ocilla, GA to Brunswick, GA where they welcomed another daughter and son.

Hortensie held several jobs over the years including an Xray Transporter at Brunswick Hospital.  She is mostly known for her time at Brunswick College.  She started as a Library Assistant.  The skills she gained starting at the tender age of 9 cooking on a wood burning stove served her well as she later worked in Food Services. The students experienced the wonderful cooking her family and friends had enjoyed for years.  She retired from Brunswick College as the Cafeteria Manager in 1993.

Throughout her life, she had a strong love for God, and she instilled spiritual values in her children.  After becoming Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hortensie’s daughters Linda and Dianne studied the Bible with her.  Hortensie dedicated her life in service to God and was baptized on November 27, 1978 in Jekyll Island, GA.  That same year, she had the privilege of attending the New Orleans International Convention. She served as a member of the East Brunswick Congregation and she took great pleasure in sharing the Bible truth with those she met in her Christian ministry.  Hortensie was happy to see four generations of her family share her beliefs. 

On June 4, 1976, she was united in marriage to Douglas Sanders.  They shared walks together and would sit in their porch rocking chairs for long talks.  Hortensie loved music and they would sing and dance in the living room.  They spent 40 happy years together prior to his death in 2016.

Hortensie had a nurturing, protective nature. She was always there to ensure no harm came to her children. When her mother became ill, Hortensie nursed her with a kind, compassionate spirit.  She also enjoyed bargain shopping, taking day trips to Savannah or Jacksonville to find that perfect sale. 

Hortensie was preceded in death by her mother Johnnie Mae Kitchen, her husband Douglas Sanders, her daughter Judy Moreland, and her granddaughter Lecresia Watson.  She leaves to treasure her memories her daughters Linda Oglesby (Curtis), Dianne Muchison (James Jr), and Johnnie Walters (Ken); her son Emory Moreland Jr (Yvonne); her grandchildren Hartensie Irving, Trina Guia (Tony), Monica Sprouse (Todd), Veronica Ross (Cliff), Tamara Oglesby, Craig Muchison (Jerra), and Ursula Brathwaite (Desmond) along with 7 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives, friends, and spiritual brothers and sisters.

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