Shirley Ann Sanders, 75

March 29, 1950 – April 8, 2025

TUPELO – Shirley Ann Watt Sanders was born in Noxubee County, Macon, MS on March 29, 1950, to the late Jimmie Colman Watt and Vera Costie Harlow. She departed this life from NMMC in Tupelo on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 after a period of declining health. Shirley had just celebrated her 75th birthday days before her departure. Strong, independent and sometimes a little “hardheaded”, Shirley made her own way in life as a devoted and dedicated worker being among the first females hired by Pennsylvania Tire and Rubber in Tupelo. She finished her working career as a poly foam worker at Independent Furniture Supply in Tupelo after 25 years service. Shirley enjoyed supporting, spending time with and loving her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Christian, Shirley loved Mexican food and living life large and adventurous. She will be missed by her family and many friends.

A service celebrating her life will be held at 6 PM Monday, April 13, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. Jody Rock officiating. Visitation will be from 5 PM-service time at 6 PM on Monday only. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming at 6 PM on Monday.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Zondra McKnight and Natalie Kneisly, and sons, Jimmy Hightower and Nathan Kneisly; grandchildren, Sydni Henry, Ana Moore, Dylon Miles, Kloie Frost, and Gavin Kneisly; great-grandchildren, Mackinlee Henry, Mayson Henry, and Rowan Russell; nieces, Karen Watt Smith and Melissa Ballew; best friend Myra Coward; and caregiver Lawanda Dankins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vera Harlow and Jimmie Watt; siblings, Artie Watt (Betty), Wayne Watt (Mabel), Dorothy McCarty, and Sarah Watt; and her nephew, Jimmie Watt.

Condolences for the family may be left on Shirley’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.