Cora Mae Sanders

     Cora Mae Sanders died April 28, 2023, in Purcell, Oklahoma at the age of 88 years 1 month 6 days. Graveside memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Friday, May 5, 2023, at Chappel Hill Cemetery east of Lexington, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

     Cora Mae was born March 22, 1935, in Blanchard, Oklahoma to John B. and Ethel Mae (Haynes) Walker.  She was raised and attended school in Lexington, graduating from Lexington High School in 1950. She married Cardell Sanders in 1952 and spent 51 years together before Cardell passed in 2003.  Cora Mae remarried later in life to Hershell “Buddy” Dodd and spent 15 years together before Buddy passed in 2021.  She operated child day cares for many years, along with driving a school bus, working as a nurse aide, and working in the kitchen at OU.  Cora Mae was very active in her church and enjoyed gardening, fishing and cooking.  She was a care giver and loved spending time with and taking care of her family, especially her grandchildren.

     Cora Mae is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel Walker; her husband, Cardell Sanders; her husband, Hershell Dodd; her son, Gary Sanders; her son, Kenneth Sanders; her grandson, Jarren Sanders; her granddaughter, Leslie Sanders; her brother, John Vernon Walker; and her brother-in-law, JW Vanderpool.  Survivors include her son, Tim Sanders; her 9 grandchildren; her 13 great grandchildren; her siblings, Charlotte Gullion and husband, James of Lexington, Harold Walker and wife, Jimmie of Harrah, Paulette Vanderpool of Midland, Florida; and numerous other relatives and friends.

     Cora Mae's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Brookdale Assisted Living and Traditions Hospice, along with Cora Mae's granddaughter, Jazmine Patterson for their compassion and care given to Cora Mae these last years.