1947-2025
Remembering Her Journey
Thelma Anne Jones-Sanders was born to the late Charles P. Jones Sr. and Reba Jewel Jones on December 31, 1947, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was one of two daughters in the family. They, Thelma and Cheryl, were surrounded by brothers.
She attended Southeast High School in which she graduated in 1967. She was united in holy matrimony to Cornelius Sanders. To this union two children were born: E. Jerome Sanders (Melody) of Arlington, TX and Tracey M. Sanders of Spring, TX.
Thelma was an educator with more than 35 years’ experience serving both England and Pine Bluff School Districts. Upon retirement she spent her final years giving back to her home district, those beloved “Zebras”! She worked with the Athletic department selling tickets, taking tickets or doing whatever was needed.
She attended Arkansas AM & N College (UAPB) where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She was a member of the Pine Bluff Education Association, the Arkansas Education Association, and the Retired Teacher’s Association.
Thelma lived life to the fullest. There was never a dull moment when she was in your reach. You know she loved you by the smiles, hugs, and encouragement she provided daily. She enjoyed swimming with her great niece, Journee J! The Silver Steppers and the Divine Dancers of the Delta were a vital part of her life. In church she served in the choir and parish council. Thelma was a “workout junkie”!
She treasured being around young people and poured into their growth. Traveling with the Zebra and Golden Lion (UAPB) fans was an integral part of her life with her niece, Lynette. Thelma was a self-proclaimed historian of well documented family pictures. Lastly, life brought great joy to Thelma when she traveled abroad to Playa del Carmen, Mexico’s beach with her daughter, Tracey.
“T” was preceded in death by her father, Charles P. Jones Sr., mother, Reba Jewel Jones, her brothers, Michael Jones and Larry Tolbert, and her ex-husband Cornelius Sanders.
To cherish her memory are: daughter, Tracey M. Sanders of Spring, Texas; son E. Jerome Sanders (Melody) of Arlington, Texas; one sister, Cheryl Jones- Hatley of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; her brothers Charles P. Jones Jr., John Norman Jones of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Frank White of Stamps, Arkansas; Grandchildren, T’Asia Jones, Imari Sanders, and Tyrek Sanders- Moore; two great grandchildren, Malachi and Ellani; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
As Thelma would say, “I Love you, but God loves us more!” .
Visitation 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Pine Bluff, AR by Father Warren Harvey, SVD. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR.
Obituary submitted by the Family.
