RICHLANDS  -  Susan Howard Sanders, 68, of Richlands, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital with the love of her life, Ira Sanders, by her side. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Susan's life on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Maranatha Baptist Church, located at 1375 Onsville Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 6:00 PM prior to the Celebration of Life service.

Mrs. Sanders was born July 9, 1956, in Cleveland, TN to the late Lester Howard and Mary Fisher Lang.

She graduated from Richlands High School in 1974. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She had a long and impactful career with both Coastal Beverage Company and Coastal Carolina Community College. In retirement, she would enjoy serving in the church in various capacities. She had a passion to pray, teach Sunday School, and serve those around her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father, Lester Howard; mother, Mary Fisher Lang (stepfather Robert Lang); son, Eric Corbin; sister, Connie McClain; and nephew, Roger Brown.

Survivors include her husband, Ira Sanders of the home; son, Chris Searles (Christie) of Garner, NC; sisters, Rosemary Berry (Kevin) of Perkinston, MS and Pam Avery (Roger) of Jacksonville, NC; brother-in-law, John McClain of Vanceboro, NC; grandchildren, Ayden Searles, Braelyn Searles, Anna Creech, and Amanda Creech; several nieces and nephews; John Michaelson (Heather) of Benson, NC, Ben Berry (Heather) of Perkinston, MS, Melissa Meyers (Eric) of New Bern, NC and Racheal Cardella (Joe) of Maine; and a special fur baby, Baby Doll.

The family extends a special heartfelt thanks to Maranatha Baptist Church and Susan's special friends for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jacksonville Serviceman's Center.