Jesse Sanders 1944-2025
YOUNGSTOWN — Mr. Jesse Sanders, 80, transitioned from this earthly labor to his heavenly reward, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
Mr. Sanders, affectionately known as “Nick,” was born June 10, 1944, in Butler, Georgia, the youngest of eight children born to Stephen and Katie Lee Snipes Sanders. He was a 1964 graduate of Struthers High School and attended Youngstown State University.
Jesse was noted for his athleticism. He played all sports, including baseball, football and track, in which he excelled. In high school, he set records in track, breaking Mahoning County school track records.
After graduation, he went to work at Youngstown Sheet & Tube in their apprenticeship program, where he became a journeyman pipefitter. Soon after, he went to work at General Motors Lordstown and worked in his trade until he retired in 2005.
Jesse was inducted into the Struthers Hall of Fame in 1991 and into the Ebony Lifeline Hall of Fame in 2017. When team sports ended, he enjoyed early morning jogs in Roosevelt Park and was committed to having a positive lifestyle, focused on health and wellness. He also enjoyed traveling with family and friends.
Jesse leaves to cherish his memory and to celebrate his life and legacy, his devoted and beloved wife of 59 years, the former Karleen Clark, whom he married in 1965; two sons, Derek (Melinda) Sanders of St. Louis, Missouri, and Darrell (Frances) Sanders of Groveport; five grandchildren, Kimarra (Jamie) Minor of Groveport, Mikarra (Donavon) Reed of Whitehall, Deneja Phillips of Youngstown, Derek Sanders Jr., also of Youngstown, and Danielle Napier-Sanders of Lewis Center; 10 great-grandchildren; a goddaughter, Emily (Sean) Bonner of Cleveland; two siblings, Lula (Riley) Montford of Griffin, Georgia, and Ida M. Morris of Youngstown; and a host of family and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Oscar Sanders Sr., Eddie D. Sanders, Ulysses Sanders, Roosevelt Sanders and Willie C. Jones; and a grandson, Deon Sanders.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Rising Star Baptist Church, 2943 Wardle Ave., Youngstown, with a celebration of life service to follow at 11 a.m.
Ministry of comfort and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.
(special notice)