Sylvia Ann Sanders

Sylvia Ann Sanders, of Elgin, SC, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the age of 78. She was surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 28, 1948, in Columbia, she was the daughter of Walter Sam Peake and Juanita Virginia Lee Peake.

Sylvia was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Her strength, honesty, and spunky spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

After the loss of her husband, she devoted her life to raising her three daughters on her own with courage, determination, and unconditional love. She faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience, always putting her family first. Her daughters were her greatest pride and joy!

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, Virginia Motley (Jay), Melissa Sanders (Jeff), and Meredith Medlin (Larry); seven grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, one great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Born to a large family, Sylvia treasured the closeness, laughter, and strong bonds shared with her siblings and loved ones throughout her life. She was known for speaking her mind with honesty, loving deeply, and bringing warmth wherever she went. Her surviving siblings include Jimmy Peake (Michele) Jeanne Gryder (Russell) and Jerry Peake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Eugene Sanders, and her siblings, Sandra Peake, Sammy Peake, and Kay Peake Henderson.

Sylvia’s legacy lives on through her children, family, and all those lives she touched. She will be remembered for her strength, her loving heart, and her unforgettable spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever loved!

The service to celebrate Sylvia's life will be held at 11:30 o’clock, Tuesday, June 2nd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The burial will follow at 1 o'clock, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service beginning at 10:30 o'clock.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family and will announce further arrangements.