Marjorie Louise Smith Sanders, age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Marjorie was born in Piney Flats, Tennessee, but spent her elementary school years in North Carolina. Upon returning to Piney Flats, she met and fell in love with Bobby Sanders, and they eloped on June 11, 1951.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her parents, John and Charmie Godsey Smith Shaver, and her brother Arthur Smith.

She is survived by her son Randy Sanders of Johnson City, Tennessee, and daughter Lisa Fox and her husband John of Smyrna, Tennessee; grandchildren Justin Fox and his wife Nikita, Kara Martin and her husband Seth, and Moss Sanders and Graham; great-grandchildren, Jack Martin, Axel Fox, Ella Martin, and Millie Fox; sister-in-law, Keitha Cross; nephew Kevin Cross and his wife Alix; and niece Kristen Cassidy and her husband Jeff; niece Frances Cash and many extended family and friends.

The family will have a private ceremony at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, Tennessee on Thursday, January 15, 2025, at 2:00 pm EST. Marjorie will be laid to rest with her beloved husband. It is very fitting that she is buried at a military cemetery as she was an extremely proud Army wife.