Madeline Monroe Sanders

Madeline Monroe Sanders, age 9, of Forsyth, GA, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on September 9, 2022, surrounded by her family.  For the past two and a half years Madeline bravely fought brain cancer.

Madeline was a fourth grader at Hubbard Elementary School where she loved distributing Back Pack Buddies with Stephanie Crews. She loved everything about school. Madeline had a special bond with her teachers including Mallory Brooks, Becky Cawthon, Julie Pyron, Stephanie Steed, Kimberly Harris, Marquita Self, and Betty King. She also dearly loved her teacher, Andrea Norman even though she made one unforgettable mistake. There was a very special place in Madeline’s heart for her principals, Jay Johnston and MeQuanta McCord. Madeline especially loved telling jokes and eating lunch with the school resource Officers, Billingslea and Blandenburg.

Madeline was a huge fan of the Mary Persons Bulldogs. She was often seen cheering for the Bulldogs at the football games. She yelled the loudest for her boys, JT Andrews, Austin Starr, and Walker Turner. MP wrestling provided her with the most joy. She was named an honorary Mat Dog in 2020 by her favorite coach, Barron Hamlin. One Mat Dog in particular, JT Andrews, at the age of 18, helped teach her wrestling moves that better helped her to take him down.

In 2020, Madeline was crowned the first and only Petite Miss Georgia Peach at the Georgia Capitol and was recognized by Secretary of State Raffensperger. At which time she received a standing ovation from the members of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Prior to her diagnosis, Madeline loved to dance. She took classes at Simply Dance in Forsyth. She especially loved Mrs. Katie, Gator, and Mr. Patrick. Showing off her moves through dance was one of Madeline’s favorite pastimes.

Madeline was a member of the First Baptist Church of Barnesville. The happiest day of her life was the day of her baptism.  On November 1, 2020, Madeline was baptized by Rev. Garth Forster. While at church, she spent many happy times loving on Mrs. Suzanne Forster, Mrs. Jenn Zeagler, the children’s minister at FBC and her husband Mr. Bruce. She had countless wonderful Sunday School teachers and grew her love for the Lord under their service.

Madeline received exceptional care at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta Scottish Rite and Emory Windshape Cancer Institute throughout her battle. The nurses and doctors provided outstanding treatment. Jay’s Hope provided immense support to Madeline and her family throughout her cancer journey.

For five years, Madeline and her siblings had a very special babysitter, Anna Starr. Anna took care of Madeline on her good, bad, and even on her most mischievous days. Madeline often referred to her as “Anna Banana Suzanna Starr”. In the end, Madeline lovingly referred to Anna as her grown up best friend.

Madeline was preceded in death by her grandfather, Vernon Elbert Sanders, Jr. and her aunt, Marcy Sanders. Survivors include her parents Vern and Joy Sanders, siblings, John Wyatt Sanders, Bella Grace Sanders, Grandmother, LaVue Sanders of Forsyth, Grandparents, Earl and Diann Fortson of Barnesville, Godparents, Josh and Amber Ridley, aunts, uncles, many cousins and her lifelong best friends, Madison Smith and Mercer Estes. Madeline is also survived by  friends who became family which include the families of Ben and Lori Andrews, Wayne and Stephanie Crews, Glen and Betsy Ford, JB and Erica Haygood, Dan and Andrea Norman, Michael and Khaki Savelle, Mark and Heather Smith.

Funeral services will be held in the sanctuary of Rock Springs Church in Milner on Saturday, September 17^th at 2:00 pm. Rev. Garth Forster and Rev. Jason Teal will officiate. The family asks for all who attend to wear Madeline Monroe shirts or her favorite colors teal or purple with jeans.  A private interment will follow. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 16^th at New Providence Baptist Church in Smarr from 6:00 until 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jay’s Hope, 1157 Forsyth Street, Suite B, Macon, Georgia, 31201 or to the Back Pack Buddies Program at Hubbard Elementary.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.