Dr. Lavern (Baker) Sanders

Dr. Lavern Baker Sanders was born in Dade City, Florida on February 2, 1948, to the Late Mr. Johnnie Baker and the Late Minnie Pearl McLaughlin. She attended the Public Schools in Pasco County and was a graduate of Mickens High School, Class of 1967. Thereafter, she went on to attend Edward Waters College where she received her B.S. in Social Science. She continued her education at Florida A & M University where she received her Master's degree and achieved her post-graduate degree studies from the University of Florida. She also attended the University of North Florida, Nova University and Penn State University. In January of 1970, Lavern was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Willie James Sanders. God blessed this union for 37 years of love and devotion. Additionally, to this union two beautiful children were birthed, the Late Roderick O'Keith Sanders and the Late Robert Jason Sanders. Lavern accepted Christ at a very young age. As a youth she joined and served faithfully at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Dade City, Florida. After migrating to Jacksonville, Florida she joined Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. She served in many areas in the church. Just to name a few, she was Coordinator/Director of 2003/2004 Summer Literacy Camps at Mt. Sinai M. B. Church; a Community Representative (2004/2005); a member of the Design Team at Andrew Robinson Elementary; a Deaconess; and member of the Black Caucus, Phi Delta Kappa, Jacksonville Chapter; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumnae Chapter; the YMCA; the Educational Ministry; and Chairperson of the Red Hat Society, Jacksonville, Florida. On Monday, March 7, 2022, God picked a beautiful rose from his garden and Lavern entered into her eternal home. She is survived by: a loving daughter-in-law, Tremeka Sanders of Lawrenceville, GA; 5 grandchildren, Jessica and Brea, both of Jacksonville, FL, Kristen, Bryce, and Evan, all of Lawrenceville, GA; 2 sisters, Kathy A. McLaughlin and Edna Sessler, both of Lacoochee, FL; one brother, Michael McLaughlin (Barbara) of Dade City, FL; 1 aunt, Loretta Washington of Zephyrhills, FL; 2 uncles, Woodrow Wilson (Mary) of Tifton, GA and Elbert Wilson of Sarasota, FL; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, special friends and neighbors.

*Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have implemented necessary procedures during Visitations, Funeral Ceremonies, Gravesides, and other public and private ceremonies.  We do ask that all visitors of these services to please continue to wear your masks and please remember to social distance.  These new policies may be inconvenient, but due to the severity of the virus, we ask that everyone be considerate, patient, and safe with others as we try to get through this most difficult time.  Seating during services may be limited so please be considerate of the immediate family especially.  

*If you are attending a Graveside service or an Outdoor Celebration you are welcomed to bring your own chair as seating will be limited!  We will provide water to make everyone as comfortable as possible.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this time. We pray that everyone stays safe and cooperative with the current CDC rules.  

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