Anita Patricia Sanders

Life ReflectionsAnita was the second child born to James and Viola (Barnett) Johnson in St. Louis, MO on July 12, 1940. Her parents and two brothers preceded her in death: James Johnson, Jr. and Harry Johnson. Early in life, Anita received Christ as her Savior. She was a dedicated member of the Holy Angels Catholic Church while growing up and Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church later in life. At "ZT" she was a member of the Usher Board and volunteered in the Church's food and clothes pantry. Anita began her education at the Holy Angels Catholic School in Kinloch, MO and continued on to Laboure High School in St. Louis, MO, graduating in 1958. She is remembered as the first African-American honor roll student at Laboure. Anita started her healthcare career at Christian Hospital Northeast which led to a position at St. John's Mercy Medical Center (now Mercy Hospital) where she worked thirty plus years. She retired from St. John's in 2002. Anita was married twice and to these unions seven children were born. She later adopted her oldest granddaughter making her the eighth child. She was a deeply devoted mother and grandmother. Anita had an indescribable love for her family and enjoyed having her "grandbabies" near her all the time. She especially enjoyed family and friends during holiday parties and other gatherings. She played an active role in the raising of many of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Anita was called home on Monday, December 11, 2017. She was an inspiration to many and showed what love in action was all about. Anita is survived by her eight children: Kevin, Maurice (Verna) of Kansas City, MO, William (Telitha), Melvin (Terry), Deborah, Anthony, Rafeeq (Karen) and Contrina; sister: Loretta Thomas; 28 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Interment:Memorial Park Crematory2101 Lucas Hunt RoadSt. Louis, MO 63121 . Visitation Saturday, Dec 16, 2017 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church 351 Chambers Road St. Louis, Missouri 63136 Funeral Service Saturday, Dec 16, 2017 11:00 AM Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church 351 Chambers Road St. Louis, Missouri 63136