Irene was a member of East Side Missionary Baptist Church of Monticello. She taught at Enon School from 1971-1978, and then at Drew Central School from 1979-1996, when she retired. She loved teaching all the students who walked through her door and made it her personal goal to make each one know their worth. She also enjoyed traveling, painting, cooking, and spending time with her family. Irene was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 54 years, Willie John Sanders; a daughter, Becky Marie Sanders Knight; two brothers, John Lane and Wilbert Burr; and three sisters, Lorene Burr, Nancy Burr, and Becky Nora Jean Houser.
She is survived by her son, William Sanders and his wife Theresa; four grandchildren, Angela Sanders Rhodes and her husband John, Tina Sanders Goodwin and her husband Jason, Michael Knight and Megan, and Julie Knight Gardner and her husband Bubba; and seven great-grandchildren, Anna Goodwin Summerhill and her husband Nick, Emmett Goodwin, William Gardner, Brayson Knight, Eythan Knight, Hadleigh Knight, and Delilah Knight.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Matt Terry officiating. There will be a visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. preceding the funeral service. Burial will be in Mountain Home Cemetery in Lincoln County, AR. Serving as pallbearers are Jason Goodwin, Emmett Goodwin, Nick Summerhill, Fred Cooper, Jason Cooper, Jeff Sanders, Byron Pharr and Matt Terry. You can sign Mrs. Sanders' guestbook registry here on her page.
Condolences(9)
Cindy Halsey Trusty
Raceland, LA Sunday, December 21, 2025 I haven't been back to Eastside Baptist Church since I graduated high school and went to college. But I still remember Mrs. Sanders smile and always will.Father be with this Family as they walk this Grief Journey and comfort them as only You can Amen
See you when I get home Mrs. Sanders
Rev. Dr.Neich Robinson
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 9, 2025 I taught school at Drew Central Schools along with Mrs. Sanders. She was a lovely person to be in her presence and alway admired her sincere spirit. She loved her students and they loved her. She was one of a kind. To the family left behind, 2 Corinthians 5:8, says, "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. "Sherry O'Neill -Rawls
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 29, 2025 I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Irene's passing. She was my daughter Heather's 6th grade teacher, & her favorite Elementary School teacher. She was an awesome lady who took her job seriously and really cared about her students. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you. ~Sherry O'Neill~DeAnna Knight
Crossett, AR Thursday, November 20, 2025 I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Irene was such a sweet lady. She took me in when I married and became Michael and Julie's stepmom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ♥️Betty Carol Lane Graham
Kingsland, AR Thursday, November 20, 2025 Hugs and prayers for her family ! She was such a sweet lady I will never forget that she made mine and John’s (Bo) (wedding cake as gift too usJames and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 20, 2025 Sanders FamilyI have known Mrs. Sanders for many years. A sweet great lady. She taught our children at Enon School and one of the best teachers i have ever known.
I am sad for each of you but thankful for her friendship to our family.
Prayer for each of you.
James and Kathy
Dale Bates
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 20, 2025 William and Theresa, I am so sorry to learn of Ms. Irene's passing. She was a good friend and a delightful lady. I've done many flower arrangements for her over the years. You and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers.Gail/Larry Hammil
Star City, AR Wednesday, November 19, 2025 William, Theresa, and family, We are so sorry for the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Prayers for comfort and peace, may God be with each of you.Zachary N. Cooper
Crossett, AR Wednesday, November 19, 2025 My sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time.