Jeannie Sanders

On August 21, 2026, the world lost a remarkable woman, Jeannie Sanders, born Jeannie Harris on May 1, 1941, in Greensboro, Alabama. Jeannie lived a life that was anything but ordinary. She was resilient, hardworking, independent, straightforward, and fiercely loving. She had a sharp wit, a strong will, and a heart that loved deeply. She faced life head-on, weathered hardships that would have broken many, and somehow always found a way to keep moving forward.

From her humble beginnings in Greensboro to her retirement years in Orange Beach, Alabama, Jeannie built a life through determination and hard work. She was never afraid of a challenge and never expected anything to simply be handed to her. For 30 years, she trained racehorses across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, a demanding life that took her on countless adventures and introduced her to people, places, and experiences that became part of the story of who she was. She knew hard work, long days, setbacks, and triumphs—and she handled them all in her own unmistakable way.

Later in life, Jeannie became a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating a convenience store in Greensboro until her retirement in 2020. Even after retiring, sitting still was never really her style. She filled her days with gardening, thrifting, working on projects, and finding one more thing to do. She had a curiosity about life and a determination to enjoy it on her own terms.

Jeannie was a straightforward woman who said what she thought and lived honestly. She could be stubborn, funny, strong-willed, and sometimes a little hard to keep up with—but those who knew and loved her knew that beneath that tough exterior was an enormous capacity for love. Her family meant more to her than words could ever express, and she also shared a special bond with her loyal dog, Rambo.

Jeannie’s life was marked by both adventures and hardships, joy and loss, and more than her share of challenges. Yet she continued forward with the same resilience that defined her. She did not need an easy life to make it a meaningful one. She simply lived it—fully, honestly, and unapologetically.

Jeannie is survived by her son, Shannon Sanders, and his wife, Kelley; her brother, Howard Harris Jr.; her beloved grandchildren, Leah Byers, Gage Sanders, and Cooper Sanders; and her sister, Jackie Miles. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Idell Harris; her sister, Dorthy Jackson; her daughter, Tammy Sanders; her grandson, Stephen King; her granddaughter, Skyelar Sanders; and her ex-husband, James Sanders.

The people Jeannie loved and lost remained a part of her story, and the people she leaves behind will carry pieces of her with them. Her strength, her humor, her stubborn determination, her stories, and the way she loved will not be forgotten.

We invite family and friends to share memories and photographs of Jeannie on her memorial page. In remembering her, let us remember not only the years she lived, but the life she lived within them—a life filled with hard work, adventure, heartache, laughter, resilience, and love.

Jeannie was one of a kind. She lived life her way, faced whatever came her way, and left her mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Funeral services will take place at Antioch Baptist Church, 1150 Co Rd 3, Greensboro, AL 36744 at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 27, 2026 with burial to follow immediately after at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Greensboro. Brother Arthur Thomas will officiate. A visitation will be held in the church one hour prior to service time. 

Arrangements held by Wilson Funeral Home & On-site Crematory in Carbon Hill, AL