Bernadette Ann "Berni" Sanders

Bernadette Ann “Berni” Sanders, age 64, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, passed from this life into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus on September 20, 2026. Berni was born to James and Clara Richardson in Cameron, Texas on June 26, 1962, the youngest of four children.

Berni grew up in Cameron with many close, lifelong friends, and with her two brothers, Daniel and Alan, and her sister Karen. Berni often recalled and shared memories of laughter, joy, and adventures with her sister, brothers and friends on South Columbus Avenue and beyond. Berni and many of her friends were in the Yoe High School band, where enduring friendships were built and continue. Berni graduated as an honor student in 1980.

During those high school years, Berni met and fell in love with Calvin Sanders, a love they shared over the next 50 years. Even though they were far too young, both realized they were meant to be together. Berni always said “there was just something about those Buckholts boys” and it seems she was right, as Karen and several friends also found the loves of their lives there. Berni and Calvin were married in 1983 and were blessed with 43 years of love and devotion.

Berni became a hairdresser after high school and continued in that field for several years, first in Houston and then in Cooper, Texas where she and Calvin lived for eight years. She later worked at East Texas State University. Berni was always finding and making new friends and enduring friendships.

Berni and Calvin were blessed with the arrival their wonderful son Mason in 1991, shortly after moving to Bryan, Texas. Berni enjoyed those years so dearly as a stay-at-home mom with Mason. Again, Berni’s infectious joy and love for life enabled her to make many friends in the neighborhood and community. It was so hard for her to leave those friends when Calvin’s work took them to Temple, Texas in 1996. In no time at all, Berni made many new friendships in the neighborhood at Lake Belton and later in Taylor’s Valley. Berni shared countless times with dear friends traveling, seeing shows, or simply investing time with those she deeply cared for and loved.

Once Mason started school, Berni was ready to work again. It was over the next two decades Berni had an impact on so many while working in local elementary schools. She spent time as a health aide, teacher’s aide, and many years as a school secretary. She went above and beyond, making sure everything was running smoothly. Most of all, Berni truly had a heart for and loved every kid. It was during these years Berni encountered and touched so many, including the children, parents, and her co-workers. Berni made and cultivated so many friendships through those years that continue.

While living in Bryan and Temple, Berni, Calvin and Mason were close to family and spent many special times with parents and siblings. As her parents aged, Berni was there to care for and love on them. Berni was always ready to see and spend time with family, especially Karen and her sweet brother in law Craig. Karen and Berni had a closeness and love that only sisters understand. Berni loved her nieces and nephews and was so excited and thankful as each them married and have started families.

Berni and Calvin were blessed once again when Mason and Emily were married in 2014. She so enjoyed having them both near while they attended medical school. More blessings came as grandchildren Lawrence and Colette joined the family. Berni longed to be close to them all and be more a part of their lives, so in 2023 she and Calvin relocated to North Carolina. Berni cherished and adored Mason, Emily and her grandchildren.

Berni had a deep Christian faith from a young age that was founded in the Catholic church where she grew up. Later in life she and Calvin began attending Temple Bible Church where her faith and love for the Lord deepened even more. Berni and Calvin were so blessed to grow their faith along with small group brothers and sisters who became family. Berni lived out her faith by sacrificially doing and by loving others. Berni’s final act of giving is as an organ donor, hoping to help and be a blessing to a few more. We can only imagine that Berni was greeted by the Lord with this: “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

The last three years Berni struggled with and battled mental illness. She so much wanted to be her old self. She still loved and cared for those she cherished so much, but it was very difficult for her to share as she had so easily and lovingly done before. That love for all was still there in her heart. If only she knew how much impact she has made and, in turn, how much she is loved. We are choosing to remember her as the joyful soul she was, greeting generations of children and families at Sparta and Scott Elementary, now doing the same in heaven.

Left to cherish Berni’s life and legacy are husband Calvin Sanders of Aberdeen, NC; son Mason, daughter-in-law Emily, and grandchildren Lawrence and Colette Sanders of Durham, NC; sister Karen and brother-in-law Craig Junek of Sugar Land, TX; brother Daniel and sister-in-law Jan Richardson of Durango, CO; brother Alan and sister-in-law Pattie Richardson of Millsap, TX; nephews Dustin Junek, Austin Sanders, Thomas Richardson, Jordan Richardson; and nieces Heather Keen and Kristin Stephens.

Berni was preceded in death by her parents, James and Clara Richardson, and sister-in-law Sharon Richardson.

There will be a Celebration of Berni’s Life in Texas on a date and location to be determined. The family requests that memorials be made to a meaningful ministry of your choosing, in lieu of flowers.