Mary Jo Sanders

Heaven rejoices in the homecoming of Mary Jo Sanders, who passed from this life in her home on Saturday, March 15th at the age of 87.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Fearl “Babe” and Fannie Ruth Fore Eaves, Mary Jo grew up with a love for learning and a heart for service. She graduated from Central High School in 1955, excelling in her studies and actively participating in several societies.

In 1959, she married the love of her life, Rudolph Edwin “Rudy” Sanders. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, sharing 50 beautiful years of devotion to one another and their community. They found joy in traveling, gardening, and, most of all, being present in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Mary Jo was the first employee of BPSM (1971–2002), where she took on the role of office manager. She was deeply admired and respected around the firm, earning the affectionate title of “Work Mom” from many of her colleagues. After her retirement, she dedicated the next decade to her family, playing a vital role in helping raise her grandchildren and serving her loved ones with endless devotion.

Faith was the cornerstone of Mary Jo’s life. Her love for the Lord was evident in everything she did, and she lived with the mission to “make Heaven full.” She was an faithful member of The Church of Christ and a constant source of encouragement and wisdom to those around her.

Mary Jo is reunited in Heaven with her beloved parents, Fearl and Fannie Ruth Eaves; her brother, Thomas Fearl Eaves Sr.; her husband, Rudy Sanders; and her daughter, Leigh Ann Smith.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in her son, Rudolph Edwin Sanders Jr. (Eddie); her grandchildren, Dolci Sanders (Andrew Lumby), McKenna Staley (Carson) , Chaney Wright (Zach) , and Landreth Smith; as well as her seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 9:30am ~ 11:30am with a Celebration of Life at 11:30am with Bill Watkins officiating and the burial to follow all at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home 9090 Highway 100 Nashville, TN 37221

Mary Jo’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, selfless love, and dedication to family. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.