J.L. Sanders

JL Sanders, 76, of New Albany, MS, transitioned on Friday, January 30, 2026, at North MS Medical Center, in Tupelo, MS.

J. L. was born August 12, 1949, to the late Mr. Troy, Sr. and Lexie B. Johnson Sanders in Myrtle, MS. Accepting Christ at an early age, he attended Bordoc Baptist Church, and later Zion Chapel M.B. Church. 

J.L. attended St. Mary and B.F. Ford Schools. He was employed as a laborer for several manufacturers including Mohasco, DayBrite, and Ertel. After several years of driving trucks over the road, he finally found his niche.  One of J.L.’s most prideful times in his career was being an owner-operrator of Sanders Car Wash, which at that time was one of the largest car detailing and clean up shops in New Albany. After his health began to fail him, he was forced to retire.   He was a great entrepreneur and was credited for employing and training many of his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and others in the community on the perfection of car detailing. His passion was great for cars as he continued to collect different models of vehicles during his lifetime.  He was short in stature but had a tall and firm personality. 

J. L. was united in holy matrimony on March 13, 1970, to Juliette Schooler Sanders, who proceeded him in death. To this union one child was born. He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter Tracy, a granddaughter, Kazavia Jenkins and a grandson, Kameron Jenkins all of Tupelo, MS.  Four sisters: Pauline Sanders of Smyrna, GA, Elder Ester (Elder Eddie) Spann of Clinton, MS, Lolean (Rev. Thomas Alonzo) Kimmons of Booneville, MS, and Christine (Rev. Sherman) Powell, of New Albany, MS; four brothers: Troy Jr, Boyd (Pennie) of New Albany, MS, Doril (Mertha) of Jackson, MS, Paul (Nellie) of Hernando, MS. Three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Maxine Robbins Sanders, Linda Schooler Gilbert, and Brenda Rutherford Sanders, Henry Johnson all of New Albany, MS, and Curtis Schooler of Wisconsin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Juliette Schooler Sanders; a grandson, Bentley Hanks; his parents, Troy, Sr. and Lexie Sanders; father-in-law and mother-in-law, J.W. (Dub) Schooler and Mary (Gee) Braxton Schooler; two sisters, Katherine S. Johnson and Betty M. Kyles; four brothers, Hermie D., Hubert T., Fedd, and Lamar Sanders; one brother-in-law, Charles Schooler.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m.. to 7:00 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home Chapel, 722 Coulter Drive, New Albany, MS  38652.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Zion Chapel M.B. Church, 1138 Highway 30, New Albany, MS  38652.

Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, New Albany, MS.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of New Albany, MS.