Erline Robinson Sanders

Erline Robinson Sanders, 90, passed away peacefully at home, July 16, 2023, while surrounded by family after an extended illness. Her final hours were spent listening to her favorite gospel hymns, while family shared fond memories. A visitation is planned for Wednesday, July 19th, at Stanley Funeral Home, Wrightsville Ga, between the hours of 5 and 7.  A service will be held on Thursday, July 20th at 11:00 am, at Tennille Baptist Church, with burial at Zeta Cemetery.  Reverend Andy Yates and Reverend Roger Holley will officiate.

Erline was born August 26, 1932 in Worth County, to Flora Virginia and Fillum Wilson Robinson and was a faithful member of Tennille Baptist Church. She moved to Washington County at an early age and attended Sandersville High School. She met the love of her life, James Harvey Sanders, while in high school and they wed on Christmas Day 1952. Their marriage was blessed with 9 children, 18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She welcomed all the neighborhood children into her house also, and enjoyed being called the neighborhood mom. She loved caring for children and making sure they were well fed. Erline eventually went back to school to earn her certificate to open her own licensed home day care center. “Nanny’s Daycare” thrived for over 25 years. Many of the county’s children affectionally call her “Nanny.” Erline’s love of children continued even more with her bonus children. She raised a granddaughter, Emerald Price (Tyler), and considered Teressa Fleming Taylor and her sister in law, Vickie Johnson, as her own daughters and loved them all deeply.

Erline’s love of children was not all that she was known for. She also owned a successful catering business called “Erline’s Catering.” Her wedding cakes and delicious desserts have been enjoyed by most of the county for years. She liked to say she baked with love and enjoyed selling her famous desserts at the local Farmer’s Market in her older years.

Erline is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter, Teresa Sanders Smith, her brother, Howard Robinson, and her sister, LaTrelle Gay. She is survived by her children Celeste Stodghill (Don), Wesley Sanders (Angela), Michelle Brantley (Joey), LaGina Felbob (Tommy), Shellene Padgett (Wally), Verina Avant (Brian), JaNae Stapleton (Robert), and Serretta Griffeth (Brad), her son in law, Wes Smith, and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Gay, Howard Robinson, Jr., Randy Branan, Alan Smith, Quan Wimbley, and Chris Vickers. The children of “Nanny’s Daycare” children be present as Honorary Pallbearers.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Pruitt Hospice and Misty Marshall for the wonderful care that was shown to their mother during her illness.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

This is a courtesy announcement from May and Smith Funeral Directors.