Nellie Ruth Sanders, 89, of Franklin went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2025. She was born on October 27, 1935, to the late Pauline McConnell in Macon County, NC.

Nellie served her community as a teacher for forty-five years in the Macon County School system. She began her career at Otto Elementary School, worked at Union Elementary School, and retired from Macon Middle School. She touched many young lives throughout her career. She was a member of Mashburn Branch Baptist Church. She had a love for plants and flowers. Nellie enjoyed traveling. She also was a lover of poetry. Her main love, however, was for her son, Gary; grandson, Matthew; and great grandchild, Shelby Ruth.

She is survived by her son, Gary Owens (Evelyn); one grandson, Matthew Owens (April); three great grandchildren, Chloe, Sadie, and Shelby. Also surviving are the children of Reverend Ernie Sanders, that she loved as her own; Vance Sanders (Rachael), Victor Sanders (Gina) and several great grandchildren. Her surviving siblings include Frank McCall (Ezulia), Mary Rice (Bethel), Doris Bryant, Jennie Henry, Bob McConnell (Pattie), Bill McConnell (Pam), and Margaret Woods as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her mother, she is proceeded in death by husband, Conley Owens and Reverend Ernie Sanders, and stepfather, Jay McConnell.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 19th at 2pm at Macon Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm, one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jay Settles, Mike Edwards, Mark Cook, Kyle McCall, Keith McCall, Kevin Keener, and Matt Owens.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.