Anne Mallard Sanders

Anne Elizabeth Mallard Sanders, 86 of Tabor City, NC/Myrtle Beach, SC passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026. Anne was born on Valentine’s Day in 1940 in Wilmington NC. She was the daughter of Judge and Mrs. Raymond B. Mallard of Tabor City. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernest Coleman (Sonny) Sanders Jr. 
Anne Elizabeth, as she was called by cousins and family, grew up in Tabor City. Being an only child, she loved the summers she spent at Camp Greystone for Girls in Tuxedo NC. She was the Valedictorian of the Tabor City High School class of 1958. She attended Meredith College in Raleigh, NC where she made friendships that lasted her entire life. She often talked about being a Meredith “angel”! While home from college for summer vacation, family friends invited Anne Elizabeth over to play bridge and introduced her to Sonny. Within a year, they were married and began their life together in Tabor City where Sonny worked in the family lumber business.
Anne was a devoted daughter, wife, daughter-in law, and mother. She was an active participant in her daughters’ activities. She taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School at Tabor City Methodist Church. Anne and Sonny enjoyed traveling, including regular trips to the Preakness horse races, as well as special trips to Alaska, China and Australia. They also loved hosting friends and family for a variety of events, including Yam Festival festivities, duck hunting trips to Hog Island, and Murrells Inlet boat parades. In addition to taking care of her family, Anne pursued many interests – both in Tabor City and when she moved permanently to Myrtle Beach: she played bridge; she was a member of book clubs; she loved puttering in her greenhouse and with her plants; she completed the crossword puzzle daily; she knitted and sewed; she researched family history; and her “power walking” was legendary.
Anne was the definition of the classic southern lady – at least until someone brought out a deck of cards for a game of bridge or king in the corner! She was an amazing cook and loved hosting a crowd for any or no occasion. Anne made people feel special – whether remembering their birthday, anniversary or graduation with a special card, cooking their favorite treat or planning a trip together. Meme cherished her 6 grandchildren – and was an important figure in their lives. She had a remarkable gift for bringing family and friends together and creating traditions and memories that will be treasured.  
Survivors include her daughters: LuAnne Sanders Martini (Myrtle Beach) and Mary Elizabeth “Libby” Brewington (son-in law, Scott, Greensboro, NC); grandchildren: Sanders, Coleman, Maryanne and Jack Martini and Elizabeth and Brad Brewington; brother-in law and sister in-law/first cousin: Rod and Donna Sanders; sister-in-law: Annette Sanders (brother in law, Dan predeceased), five special nephews, many cousins, and extended family.   
The family wishes to thank Linda Jones and her team of caregivers for their loving care.
A Memorial Service celebrating Anne’s life will be held on Friday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach, SC with Reverend-Dr. John C. Brearley officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service in the Kirk Room. Interment (family only) will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Tabor City, NC the following day.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church (Chapel Fund), P.O, Box 70127, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 or Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607
(https://www.meredith.edu/support/the-meredith-fund/).

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