Swayze Ann Sanderson, 1

January 27, 2023 – January 9, 2025

Swayze Ann Sanderson was born into this world on January 27, 2023, and ran into the arms of Jesus on January 9, 2025.

Swayze leaves behind her parents Josh and Alecia Sanderson; her big brother Rhett Sanderson; her Nanny and Pap (Margo and Ron Sanderson); her Mimi (Michelle Bellew); her Papaw Beagle and BB (Michael and Becky Bellew); her Uncle Lee Sanderson; her Uncle James and Aunt Jessica Bellew; three great-grandmothers, Mamaw Carolyn Sanderson, Granny Susan Landers, and Mamaw Judy Boatner; and a host of great aunts, uncles, and cousins who adored her.

Swayze is preceded in death by her three great-grandfathers; Kenneth Sanderson, Mike Landers, and Arliss Boatner, and four siblings who came before her.

The Lord blessed Josh and Alecia with a beautiful baby girl after six years of heartache and struggle. As always, He was right on time. Swayze brought great joy to her parents and her big brother “Ett.” As a baby, Swayze had the sweetest disposition. She was the perfect baby who loved to eat, play, cuddle, and sleep. As she grew, she continued with the same sweet personality unless her brother aggravated her a little too much or others around her did not do immediately as she wanted. Then, she was ready to throw hands. She was a smart girl. She knew if she pointed and grunted at things, her family would be at her beck and call to get her whatever she wanted. She did not walk until she was seventeen months–because why should she when there were so many people to carry her wherever she wanted to go–and then, she ran! Part of her bedtime routine was running sprints back and forth across the living room as she started each race by saying, “Go!”

Swayze had the most captivating smile! Her blue eyes sparkled bright! Sometimes she smiled so hard that her nose scrunched, and her cheeks must have hurt at how long her smile lasted. Her mischievous grin was another sight to behold. Her eyes would cut slowly when she knew she had been caught, mostly sneaking candy, and her little lips would purse into a smile she was trying to hide.

Swayze loved others fiercely. She loved to give hugs, to blow kisses, to give high fives and fist bumps. Swayze loved her da. She enjoyed sharing or taking all the ice out of his drinks before bed. She had to grab her game controller and play alongside her dad in her recliner just like him. She would get so tickled at him kissing her cheeks off and the scruffiness of his beard. She loved her big brother! She chased him and was chased by him all through the house while their giggles erupted all throughout. Swayze always wanted to play with Rhett no matter what he was playing. She always had to know what he was doing and if he was ok. Swayze loved to snuggle with her mom. She was a silly girl who would act like she was going to kiss her momma but would instead try to bite her nose until she got so tickled.

Swayze had an excitement for life, and she was not scared of anything. She never thought she was a baby and acted like a little mama to anyone she thought was a baby. She was a girly girl who had to have her lotion and chapstick and enjoyed putting her make-up on with her momma. But she also loved to be outside and to get dirty. She could not get her shoes on quick enough most days to get outside. She would yell at her family, “moan” (come on) because they were not moving fast enough for her.

The loss of Swayze has left a void in the hearts of many. Our lives are a little quieter. Through the blessing of Swayze’s life, her sickness, and her death, the Lord has remained faithful. The last two weeks brought His people together, impacted prayer lives, restored relationships with God, and sowed seeds to nonbelievers. Although we were not ready to let her go, we know the Lord knew the whole time the purpose Swayze’s life would serve. And, we know, we are one day closer to Heaven!

Service praising our Lord for the life of Swayze will be held at 11 AM on Monday January 20, 2025, at Palmer Baptist Church with Bro. Casey Crum and Bro. Richie Hatcher officiating. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 9 PM on Sunday January 19, 2025, at Palmer Baptist Church and will continue from 9 AM until time of service on Monday. Burial will follow in Whittentown Baptist Church Cemetery.

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