Mary Louise Zanders

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1M266xgvaV/?mibextid=wwXIfr The life of Mary Louise Zanders began on April 27, 1946, in Mobile, Alabama. She was the oldest child born to Earl and Minnie Lindsey. Mary spent her early years in Rupton, Alabama while in the care of her grand parents, Alexander and Marie Lindsey. During her early childhood, her father returned to Rupton and soon relocated Mary and her siblings, Roy and Linda, to Apopka, Florida. There, Earl met the love of his life, Mattie Ezell. Soon thereafter, they relocated to North Florida and settled in t h e metropolis of Chipley, Florida. Mary, affectionately called "Louise" , would spend her formative years in t h e clay hills of Chipley. She was also the oldest sibling of the now-blended Lindsey family. Nurtured in love by her mother, Mattie, and guided by the strong hand of her father, Earl, Louise accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at the St. Joseph African Methodist Episcopal Church. She attended Roulhac High School in Chipley. At a young age, Mary met a gentleman by the name of George Ford, aka "Sugga Babe," Shortly after, Mary would leave the confines of home and travel the "seasons" with "Sugga Babe," and the two would unite in matrimony. Mary would later complete her education in Stuart, Florida and in later years, she would relocate to Montgomery, Alabama. There, she would further her education and attend Trenholm State Community College. In 1992, Mary "Louise" returned to Apopka, Florida. After settling in Apopka, she continued her career as a CNA. It was through her expertise, she would meet her guardian angels, Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. Holt, whom she would care for throughout the remainder of their lives. Needless to say, they were a blessing to her, as she was a blessing to them. In the summer of 1997, while caring for M r. and Mrs. Holt, Mary was spotted from across the street by this tall, slender man, who would become her best friend and self-proclaimec soulmate, Grady Wells Zanders, and on July 12, 1998, the two were united in Holy Matrimony. Growing i n grace, Mary and Grady would unite with the Mount Olive A.M.E. Church, Orlando, under the pastorate of their nephew, Reverend Marvin C. Zanders II. Upset that Reverend Zanders was appointed to pastor in Jacksonville, Florida, the two would then unite with the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Apopka, Florida, under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Michael D. Warren. Mary had an excitement about growing in Christ. She loved her church and was excited about serving the Master. While at Pleasant View, she joined Usher Board #1 and became a "True Doorkeeper" in the House of the Lord (she didn't play with it). After years of failing health, Mary became unable to physically attend church. However, s h e was able to find a positive outcome in the midst of the COVID pandemic, and that was to take part in virtual worship. Once again, she was able to assemble with the Saints of God in worship, and she seized every opportunity to hear good preaching. Mary was always eager to learn about Christ and his desires for her life. She would attend any virtual "bible class" that she could, be it with New Direction in Apopka, Florida, Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church in Apopka, Florida, Refuge in Zion Temple in Harlem, Georgia, St. Paul A.M.E. in Jacksonville, Florida, and perhaps others. Although Mary was homebound, she made the most of her time, creating precious memories with her family and friends. She ultimately became a social media guru, creating friendships around the country. Mary Louise Zanders was the last surviving child born to Earl and Minnie. She was preceded in death by her Best friend and spouse, Grady W. Zanders; her parents: Minnie, Earl and Mattie; siblings: Roy, Jessie, Catherine, Carolyn, Judy-ann, Linda, Ray, and Penny; grandson, Tobias; and niece, Shameka. Those left to cherish her memories: her four children whom she loved as the apple of her eye: George W. Ford, Jr. (Shelia), Sabrina Delancy (Randy), Mattie M. Ford and Pastor Timothy L. Ford (Cassandra); ten grandchildren: Brandi, Sharina (Julius), Jordan, Rishay, Keishunna, Tiara, Timyra, Jacari (Bethany), and Addison; siblings: Freddie Brown, Greg Mitchell (Lagretta), Cassandra Mitchell, Pamela Hogan (Gary), Bonnie Lindsey, Reverend Linda Sheffield (Willie); special nieces: Denise Lindsey, Erica Williams, Helen R. Zanders, Wendy Harpe, Marveen Jefferson (William); a close cousin-sista: Gearldine Curry; four sisters-in-law: Helen Thomas-Lindsey, Doris Lindsey, Nancy Zanders-Greene, Janice Zanders; her extended- family (they were ALWAYS THERE): Mattie Stevens, Laurice Peterson, Cassandra Davis, the late Dave Williams, Carldernett Davis, Eva Mae Lowery, Betty Hayes Williams, Elnora "Pee- Wee" McHugh, her neighbor, Richard, The Leonard family of Stuart, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and extended family.

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Mary Louise Zanders

April 27, 1946 - July 1, 2025