Gloria Allison Sanders

Edith “Gloria” Allison Sanders, 96, passed away on January 29, 2025 surrounded by her daughter and caretakers. She was a true cornerstone of her community and church, a devoted wife, and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Gloria was born on May 25, 1928 in Gaffney, South Carolina, daughter of Rush Grey Allison and Mildred “Mimi” Louisa Meetze. She graduated from University of South Carolina in 1949 with a bachelor of arts in music and voice. She married her high school sweetheart, the late Dr. James H. Sanders, Jr, in 1951 and they moved to Brevard in 1952 to begin their professional and family life. Gloria was instrumental in founding and running Brevard Family Practice before “retiring” to run the family and maintain an active role in music. Gloria was the Youth choir director for several years at Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church. During this time they performed Godspell the musical providing lasting memories for all. For many years, she provided music therapy to residents at Brian Center Nursing Home, was a patron of the world renowned Brevard Music Center, had close affiliation with the music program at Brevard College and was a member of the church choir, with stints as interim choir director, the last at age 90. Over the years she gave many recitals and performed in concerts. She was a Soprano, and played the organ, piano, guitar and clarinet. Music was a huge part of who she was 

Gloria discovered the Presbyterian Church in Gaffney when she began participating in their youth program activities. The church is where she found her religious home, and also where her love and appreciation of music began. It was through the church that she was afforded the opportunity to attend summer camps at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. After moving to Brevard, she and Jim spent many seasons enjoying the performances at the Music Center (although Jim was always happy to give the experience and his ticket to others). She was an active, influential member of the Davidson River Presbyterian Church for over 70 years, and in retirement a dear friend, supporter, and musical contributor to Jim’s Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County. 

Gloria was the CEO of the family and loving disciplinarian to all. She had a Christ-like acceptance of everyone, so long as they behaved. She kept the grandkids and Jim in line as well as anyone could, and was even known to march six grandchildren into church by herself on summer Sundays. Gloria and Jim’s house on Rice Street was considered home to many, including kids, grandkids, international friends, church friends, and new professionals and their families. 

After Jim’s retirement, Gloria and Jim continued their international travel and sponsorship of annual beach vacations for a family that grew to be 17 strong on any given year. As Jim’s sight and hearing declined, Gloria became his eyes and ears, expertly reading and narrating the news of the day and even keeping up with the goings on in advancements in medicine. Upon arrival at College Walk, Gloria joined line dancing, became an ambassador for new residents, and was a regular Bett’s Bar attendee. She continued to surround herself with amazing and dear friends, as she had done her whole life. Gloria and Jim set perhaps an impossible standard for the rest of us, but one that her family cherishes and will endeavor to carry on.

Gloria experienced several lifetimes worth of challenges and losses, including the loss of two sons, two grandsons, her husband of 72 years and countless dear friends. She defeated cancer twice and was considered a walking miracle to her doctors. She endured it all with grace and dignity. Even in grief, she carried on to help others, showing them the way to finding joy through faith, friends and family. Her quick wit, unforgettable smile, and ageless beauty left a lasting imprint on those fortunate enough to know her. She was tough as nails, and stubborn with an enduring faith.

Gloria Sanders was preceded in death by her husband Jim, infant brother Daniel, sons Jamie and John Sanders, and grandsons Allen Ramsey and Adam Sanders. She leaves behind her daughter Allison Sanders Ramsey (Barton); daughter-in-law Cynthia Aspinwall Sanders; grandchildren Hillary Dabney (Brian), James Ramsey (Rebecca), Elizabeth “Fizzy” Ramsey (Kristen), Ryan Sanders, Dale Williams (Travis), and Hannah Sanders; and great grandchildren Bart, Claudia, Mildred, Kurt, Preston, Madelyn, Layla and Sage. 

Service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County, 24 Varsity Street at South Broad, Brevard, NC 28712 and will be streamed on Youtube. A reception will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Gloria may be made to the Brevard Philharmonic, P.O. Box 1547, Brevard, NC 28712 or https://brevardphilharmonic.org/