Helen Louise Sanders

Helen Louise Sanders, age 89of Bakersfield, CA and formerly of Jonesboro, IL, went home to be with the Lord at 4:26 pm, June 16, 2011. With her at The Golden Living Center as she peacefully left this world and entered the gates of heaven, were her daughter Patti (Sanders) Neal and grand-daughter Staci Wright. She was born on January 1, 1922 in Jonesboro, IL, the daughter of George and Mary (Hoss) Cozby. Helen married Francis (Frankie) Sanders on November 9, 1941 in Jackson, MO. Although living in California for the final 14 years of her life, her heart never left her beloved Southern Illinois, her Church family at the Jonesboro First Baptist, and her many friends and loved ones. Helen was preceded in death by the love of her life and constant companion of over 43 years Francis (Frankie) Sanders, her parents George and Mary (Hoss) Cozby, her brother and his wife Harold (Bing) and Meta Cozby. Also preceding her in death was one of her precious grand-children Joshua Michael Neal. Helen is survived by her daughter, Patti Neal and husband Jim from Bakersfield, CA; her 3 grandchildren, Jamia Smith and husband Kent of Bakersfield, Jim Neal II and wife Xandria of Hidden Valley Lake, CA and Staci Wright and husband Jerry of Pottsboro, TX. She is also survived by nine great- grand children; Jessica Garner, Kelsi Jones, Hannah Jones, Brandon Smith, Megan Smith, Emilee Neal, Morgan Neal, Addison Wright and Jolie Wright and one Great-Great Grand son Paxton Garner. Helen also had two very special nephews who survive her and their families, all of whom called her Aunt "Weesie"; David Cozby, wife Gretchen and their children, Mary and Gretchen (Little Gretchie); George Cozby, wife Judy and children Nick & Katie. Helen held down many jobs throughout her life, the three best known were as clerk in her brother's grocery store: Cozby's Supermarket; Jonesboro city Treasurer, and of course the Jonesboro news reporter for the Gazette-Democrat weekly newspaper. When not performing one of those tasks, more than likely you would find her playing and singing at her piano. Whether happy or sad, in good times and bad, one constant remained in Helen's life and that was her talent to play the piano beautifully. That talent remained even during her time at the nursing home where, with a little "prodding", she would entertain the staff and residents with an impromptu concert. An accident as a child had left her vision impaired so that reading sheet music was virtually impossible. She never told her mother continuing to take piano lessons and only by the shear determination of her will learned to play the piano "by ear". Soon, if she heard a song once, she could play upon request. Her family had only heard her play hymns and spiritual songs until one day at the Nursing home she broke out some "rag-time" much to the surprise of her daughter and family and much to the glee of the residents and staff. Helen will always be remembered for her giving and caring spirit. Whether at church playing the piano, serving pot-luck dinners or simply talking and laughing with anyone within reach or at home in her kitchen fixing up strawberry cheese cake that her grand-children literally loved, or chocolate chip cookies, which were "blue ribbon winners", and a favorite of all who were privileged to sample especially her son-in-law. Mother, Helen & grandma, we will sorely miss you. However, we KNOW and BELIEVE you were gracefully escorted into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are rejoicing with all saints of Glory, especially with your loved ones who had gone on before you. Gone finally are the suffering effects of Alzheimer's and the crippling pains of arthritis; your hands and mind are once again free to sit at one of Heaven's Pianos playing, singing and laughing as you once did with, and for all of us here on earth. We miss you deeply but KNOW that we will see you soon. We are thankful that you now know how much we all loved and needed your joyful spirit. A public viewing will be held Thursday June 23rd from 4-8 pm at Greenlawn Southwest, with a service to follow at the Chapel of Greenlawn Mortuaries and Cemeteries Southwest located at 2739 Panama Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93313 at 2:00 pm Friday June 24, 2011. A Graveside service will be held at the Jonesboro Cemetery on June 29, 2011 at 10:00 am the public is invited to attend.