Doris Hendrix Obituary

Doris Ann Hendrix

Jul 24, 1949 - Dec 30, 2023

Sandusky

Doris Ann (Sanders) Hendrix, 74, of Sandusky, passed away Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at her home.

She was born in Gadsden, Alabama, to American Sanders Sr. and Essie Bell Payne. She was educated at Etowah County Schools. As the eldest child of the Sanders family, Doris was a "Daddy's girl" and expressed fond memories of going for walks together and following him to the corner store. Doris relished her role as guardian and protector of her younger siblings. Even as a young child herself, she often ensured and provided for her younger siblings. Doris loved the southern traditions of outdoor activities, such as fishing and gardening. She loved fried silver queen corn, purple-hull peas, butter beans, and pinto beans. She was an independent and strong-willed person who made her own way in life and demonstrated love to those closest to her. She met and married the absolute love of her life, Sessie "Babe" Hendrix, on Aug. 6, 1962. This teenage married couple made a life together out of hard work, dedication, and commitment to family. While the couple married young, they worked and sacrificed to buy acres of land in Centre, Alabama, and built their home there. Doris' brothers and sisters fondly remember traveling to Alabama to visit their sister "back in the woods." Doris and "Babe" were proud to add to their family and Feb. 14, 1980, they welcomed their daughter, Cathy Hendrix.

Doris was a homemaker and always maintained employment in restaurants, as well the hotel, and nursing home facilities in Alabama and Ohio. She was a dedicated and committed wife and mother and made countless sacrifices for her family. Upon the passing of her beloved "Babe," Doris moved from Alabama to be with her brothers and sisters in Sandusky. She became associated with The Emmanuel Temple Church, where her brother, the late Bishop Rufus G. W. Sanders, was the pastor. Doris loved family and was always excited to be with them. She especially loved the Christmas season when the Sanders family would join together at the home of her brother, American Sanders Jr. and exchange gifts, receive Christmas stockings, and enjoy the laughter of her family. The Sanders family was blessed to have a last Christmas celebration with her just one week before she closed her eyes for the last time.

Without question, Doris' greatest joys were her grandchildren, Dorisha and Miriah. She monitored their school work, attended programs at church and school, and provided them with guidance, discipline, and love. One of her often-repeated aspirations was to see her grandchildren graduate and she was able to attend the graduation of her youngest grandchild, Miriah, from Sandusky High School in June, 2023. She was also blessed to attend Dorisha's graduation from Kent State University in 2023. Her next greatest love were her cats, Eleanor and Scott.

She leaves to mourn her daughter, Cathy Hendrix; grandchildren, Dorisha Hendrix and Miriah Hendrix; eight siblings, American Sanders Jr. (Eula), Sheila Diane Gillespie, Carolyn Smith (Russell), Patricia Keys (Dr. Kemmes), Bishop Dr. Eugene T. W. Sanders (Paulette), Amy Francis, Mary Ann Sanders, and Michael C. W. Sanders (Emily); and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and her church family.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Nettie M. Jackson and Rufus G. W. Sanders; and host of uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Doris' homegoing service will start with visitation at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, until the time of service at 11 a.m. at The Emmanuel Temple Church, 128 E. Adams St., Sandusky. Bishop Dr. Eugene T. W. Sanders, Pastor, will officiate and eulogize his sister.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.