Freida "Joy" Sanders

CARBONDALE - Freida Joyce "Joy" Sanders, 92, of Carbondale, IL, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 3, 2026 at home surrounded by family. Joy was born April 26, 1934 in Carbondale, IL, the daughter of Hugh and Edith (Tabouring) Stearns.

Joy married Forrest Gene Sanders on February 7, 1952 at Boskydell Baptist Church. He preceded her in death on May 14, 2025. Gene and Joy were blessed with a marriage lasting 72 years.

Joy was a member of Boskydell Baptist Church for 76 years. She served in Children's Church and at Bereavement dinners, where people delighted in her sweet tea.

Joy worked as a butcher for 40 + years, and most recently at Arnold's Market, where they sold the adored "Joy's Sausage." After retirement you could find her working with her best gal pal Effie at the Boskydell Baptist Church Yard Sale where she faithfully served for 27 years.

She will be remembered for her hospitality, the way she cared for others - most often through delicious food or sweet treats. She was quick to meet needs, quietly serving her loved ones and her beloved Boskydell community.

Joy was a devoted Grandma. To her grandchildren, she was their favorite person. The memories made in her kitchen and around her table will be treasured by them forever. Through her words and her example, she pointed them to the Lord, leaving a legacy that will continue in their lives for years to come.

Joy is survived by her children, Forrest Lee (Kitty) Sanders, Darrell Gene (Gerilyn) Sanders, and Clara (Kenny) Ellis; grandchildren, Nicole (Kyle) Gordon, Keriana Sanders, Lauren Sanders, Kristen (Jerod) Bathon, Ryan Sanders, Katie (Kyle) Stearns, and Megan Sanders; great grandchildren, Lyla Gordon, Alex Bathon, Jolie Bathon, Mila Gordon, Hunter Bathon, and Nora Stearns.

She is survived by her sister, Effie Brimmer, sister-in-laws, Lora Stearns and Betty Stearns, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents Hugh and Edith (Tabouring) Stearns; brothers, Gilbert (Berneice) Stearns, Vern (Polly) Stearns, Criss Stearns, Todd (Betty) Stearns, David Stearns, John (Pat) Stearns; sisters, Kathleen (Herbert) Neal, Rose (Wilburn) Lipe, Ruby (Paul) Holder, Fay (Charles) Heern, Marge (Sonny) Sutton and brother-in-law, Frank Brimmer.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 11:00 am at Meredith Funeral Home. Memorial services will follow visitation at 1:00 pm, with Rev. Paul Hicks officiating. Interment will be in Boskydell Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Joy's memory may be directed to Boskydell Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Joy visit www.meredithfh.com.