Betty Gray (Melvin) Sanderson

Harrells

Mrs. Betty Gray Melvin Sanderson, 87, of 2821 Tomahawk Hwy., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at Duke University Hospital in Durham.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday afternoon, July 22nd at 2:00 pm at  Siloam Baptist Church, located on Tomahawk Hwy in Harrells, with Dr. Timothy Register officiating.  Burial will be held privately.

Betty Gray was born on March 4, 1929, in Harrells to the late Raymond Herring Melvin and Mallie Garner Melvin.  She graduated from Franklin High School in 1947 as the class valedictorian. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Flora McDonald College in 1951. After graduation, she was an Assistant Home Demonstration Agent for the 4H Club in Duplin County from 1951 to 1953. In 1953, she moved to Wayne County where she also served as the Assistant Home Demonstration Agent for the 4H Club for two years. She later settled in Harrells where she retired as an educator in the Union School District.

Betty Gray served on numerous boards over the years, including the Sampson County Board of Health and the Senior Citizens Board. Additionally, she was a lifelong member of Siloam Baptist Church where she served in various positions including the WMU President, Sunday school teacher and a choir member. She and her three sisters also published their own cookbook titled “Food and Family” which is a collection of favorite family recipes and memories.

Betty Gray is survived by Robert Osborn Sanderson, her husband of 63 years. She is also survived by her sons and their wives whom she loved dearly and was proud of: Wayne Osborn Sanderson and wife Lynn Thornton Sanderson of Harrells; David Herbert “Herb” Sanderson and wife Sheila Tart Sanderson also of Harrells. Also, her three grandchildren whom she loved and adored: Andrew Wayne Sanderson of Surf City, NC; Hannah Sanderson Sinnott along with husband Arthur Sinnott and step great-grandson, Mattox of Harrells, NC; and Carrie Gray Sanderson Parker and husband Anthony Parker of Fuquay-Varina, NC. She is also survived by one sister, Mollie Melvin Ward of Rose Hill, NC.

She is predeceased by her parents and two of her sisters, Sara Melvin Riley and Lela Melvin Harrell, as well as her great-nephew, Cy Garber. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday evening, July 21st from 6-8 p.m. in the Parlor Room of Siloam Baptist Church in Harrells.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Siloam Baptist Church at P.O. Box 110, Harrells, NC 28444.  Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Sanderson Family.