Steve: If there was anyone who encapsulated the fruits of the spirit, it was Odessa. Nancy, who do you think of when I say these words, “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control…”

Nancy: Nana!

Steve: **laughing** Yes! If there were three people Nancy and I could list as the kinds of people we aspire to be life, it would be Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, and Nana (Odessa).

Nancy: You always knew you were loved when you were with her. She was the best grandmother in the world. What won our hearts was how she treated everyone.

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Born in 1915, Odessa Sanders was known for being a woman of service to God and her community. She served in the Baptist church as a Sunday School teacher and was the manager and treasurer for the Central Baptist Seminary Federal Credit Union for 40 years, retiring in 1985. She also served as an active member and bookkeeper for the Shepherd's Center of Kansas City, KS. Her husband, John Sanders, was equally active in the church and in their community.

The two of them married on Christmas Day in 1938. Sadly, only one of their two sons survived past infancy. But she didn’t let her grief get in the way of her love for those around her. Instead, she became known as a woman who deeply loved her family.

Nana had a gift for lifting spirits when discouragement struck. With a warm smile, she’d say, “You’re doing a great job,” her words breathing life into those who needed it most, inspiring them to keep going with renewed confidence.

By the time she had great grandchildren, Odessa was still an active member of her church and community, continuing to teach Sunday School every Sunday.. And she became an active member in Steve’s and Nancy’s lives, taking an active role in the live of her grandsons. She had a room at their house, regularly came on family vacations, and supported the family through all of their daily adventures. She brought a spirit of calm and hope to the family during a season when new families often feel overwhelmed. Rooted in a deep love for Jesus, her love overflowed into the lives of each and every person she touched.