Velma Pearl Sanders

Velma P. Sanders (Nevins) was born in Duncanville, Alabama on April 26, 1945 to the late Gillie and Lula Nevins. She was one of 11 children. She completed her education in Duncanville. She relocated to Ohio where she departed her life on January 26, 2026.

Velma P. Sanders married the late Charles W. Sanders, Sr. on August 4, 1961 in Alabama. They had three children: Betty Sanders (deceased), Velma C. Sanders and Charles W. Sanders, Jr. They divorced in 1981 and she never remarried.

Velma P. Sanders was a strong believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to whom she gave her life to at an early age. She attended Friendship Baptist Church in Duncanville, Alabama. She relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio where she became a member of Peace Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Gregory Chandler, Sr. In the early 2000s, she then relocated to become a member of World Outreach Christian Church, still under the leadership of Pastor Chandler. She remained a member until her passing.

Velma P. Sanders worked at Good Samaritan Hospital’s Dietary Department for almost two decades. Later in life, she worked part-time for World Outreach Christian Church. Her love for cooking led her to start “Victory with Velma” a catering company which she ran until her unfortunate diagnosis of dementia. Although some have tried and some have come close, nobody will ever make a Sweet Potato Pie better than hers!

Velma P. Sanders loved to travel and was a member of the Van Club (Road Majestic). She was also heavily involved in local Cincinnati politics. She regularly attended Cincinnati City Council meetings. She served on the Executive Board of the NAACP under Christopher Smitherman, Jim Clingman and Ishton Morton. She also was a member of the General Body of NAN (Cincinnati chapter).

Velma P. Sanders is preceded in death by her parents, Gillie and Lula Nevins; seven of her siblings, Johnnie Nevins, Lillie Lucas, Magnolia Mason, Mattie Nevins, Silas Nevins, William Brown and Rufus Golightly; and sisters-in-law, Mamie, Marcia and Shirley Nevins. She is also preceded in death by her first child, Betty Sanders.

Velma P. Sanders leaves to cherish her memory to a loving devoted family: her daughter, Velma C. Sanders and Charles W. Sanders, Jr.; seven grandchildren, Antonio Sanders, Sr., LaToya Holston (Delvin Holston, Sr.), Tamika Bell (Reggie Bell, Jr.), Lakisha Sanders (Brandon Bird), David Sanders, Jr., Terron Woods and Jalen Sanders-Gordon; nine great-grandchildren, Antonio Sanders, Jr., Adrian Sanders, Honesty Sanders, Jalen Gordon-Sanders, Delvin Holston, Jr., Emir Clifford, Madisyn Bird, Zoey Bird and Camden Holston; two siblings, Willie Nevins and Sylvester (Tight) Nevins; and a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a number of special friends.

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