With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rosie Mae Sanders, a devoted mother, woman of faith, caregiver, mentor, and the heart of her family and community. Rosie Mae Sanders was born on October 14, 1952, in Macon, Georgia, to the late James Felton and Eula Mae Felton. At a young age, she moved with her family to Bronx, New York, where she was lovingly raised and later built the foundation of the incredible woman she would become. In later years, she made her home in Rembert, South Carolina, where her love and wisdom continued to touch countless lives.

Rosie valued education and perseverance. She attended school in the Bronx and proudly graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School, becoming the first person in her family to earn a high school diploma, an accomplishment that reflected her determination and strength. She continued pursuing knowledge throughout her life, studying Social Work at the College of New Rochelle, earning an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of South Carolina in Sumter, and an Associate Degree in Theology from North Carolina State School of Theology.

Rosie, at just twelve years of age, gave her life to God, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and devotion. Her relationship with the Lord was the center of her life. Through every season her faith carried her, strengthened her, and guided the way she loved others. Rosie lived with grace, compassion, and a servant’s heart; always opening her arms to anyone in need. Rosie’s greatest calling was caring for children. She was the loving mother of six children, but her heart was far too big to stop there. She adopted eight children and fostered more than 30 children throughout her lifetime, giving each one safety, guidance, discipline, encouragement, and unconditional love. To so many children, Rosie was not only a caregiver — she was “Momma Rosie,” a protector, a teacher, and a safe place. Rosie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved watching Wheel of Fortune and her favorite soap operas, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. She enjoyed dancing, playing Pittypat, spending time with family, and creating joyful memories with the people she loved most.

A Life of Love, Faith, and Service Foster Children: A Legacy of Care

In the late 1980s, Rosie answered a call that would become one of the greatest testimonies of her life — opening her heart and home to children in need. Rosie never turned away a child who needed comfort, guidance, or a safe place to call home. Her nurturing spirit and selfless heart made her a mother not only to her own children, but to countless others whose lives were forever changed by her kindness. As the years went on, Rosie discovered an even greater purpose in serving her community. Alongside her beloved daughter, Charlisa, she founded “Try Us Daycare”, a place built on love, patience, and understanding. Together, they helped struggling parents by providing affordable childcare and a supportive environment where children could feel safe, cared for and valued. Momma Rosie became the village to many — the comforting presence, the wise voice, the welcoming smile, and the soft place to land during difficult times. Her life was a beautiful reflection of service, sacrifice, and genuine love for others. The seeds she planted through her kindness and generosity will continue to grow for generations to come.

A Legacy Born from Love, Loss, and Purpose

Daytwon Bennette: The Day Day Safe Home Foundation

Among the many lives Rosie touched, none left a deeper imprint on her heart than the tragic loss of one of her foster children, Daytwon Bennette. After being returned to the custody of his abusive mother, Daytwon’s young life was heartbreakingly taken far too soon. The pain of losing him shattered Momma Rosie in ways words could never fully express. But even through unimaginable grief, Rosie chose purpose over despair.

Determined that Daytwon’s story would not be forgotten, she became a passionate advocate against child abuse, courageously speaking out for vulnerable children who could not speak for themselves. Her voice and mission led her to appear as a special guest on the Maury Povich Show, where she helped bring awareness to the devastating realities of child abuse and the urgent need for protection and intervention. From her heartbreak, Rosie gave birth to a vision of hope: The Day Day Safe Home Foundation —lovingly named in memory of the precious child who forever changed her life. The foundation represented Rosie’s unwavering commitment to protecting children, uplifting families, and ensuring that every child felt safe, loved, and valued.

Charleez Goddian Angels LLC

Even during the final chapter of her life, Rosie continued dreaming, planning, and building ways to help others. One of her greatest visions was Charleez Goddian Angels LLC, a future safe haven designed to provide temporary housing and support for children who were difficult to place within the foster care system, as well as mothers facing hardship and crisis. Rosie envisioned it as more than a shelter — it would be a place of healing, stability, compassion, and second chances.

Though she did not get the opportunity to fully bring this dream to life, her vision remains a powerful reflection of her heart: selfless, nurturing, and forever devoted to serving others.

Those Preceded In Death

Rosie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, James Felton and Eula Mae Felton; grandson, Raymond Thomas; adopted son, Lewis Sanders; and her cherished siblings: Pearl, Roosevelt, Thomas, Mary, Margaret, Margie, and Ella Mae.

Rosie departed this earthly life and peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Sumter, South Carolina.

Those Left to Cherish Her Memory

A Love That Stood the Test of Time - A Beautiful Legacy of Love

Rosie leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love. One of Rosie’s greatest blessings in life was the enduring love she shared with her devoted husband, Albert Lee Sanders, Sr. of Rembert, South Carolina. Together for an incredible 56 years and united in marriage for 52 beautiful years, theirs was a love story built on faith, loyalty, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

Through every season of life — raising children, opening their hearts and home to foster children, overcoming hardships, celebrating victories, and serving their community — Albert stood faithfully beside Rosie. To know Rosie was to know how deeply she loved her husband. And to know Albert was to witness the quiet devotion and steadfast support he poured into Rosie throughout their journey together. Though Rosie’s earthly journey has come to an end, the love she and Albert shared will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who witnessed it, a timeless example of what it means to truly love and cherish one another through a lifetime. Their marriage was a beautiful reflection of commitment, sacrifice, patience, and true companionship.

Cherished Children — The Beautiful Legacy She Nurtured With Love

Albert Sanders, Jr., wife, Katy, of Hackensack, New Jersey; Derrick Sanders, wife, Lisa, of Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania; Charlisa Riley, husband, John, of Rembert, South Carolina; Levar Sanders, wife, Mechelle, of Rochester, New York; Octavia Rogers, wife, Nikita, of Sumter, South Carolina; and Mariah Sanders of Sumter, South Carolina.

Chosen by Love — Her Precious Adopted Children

Akia Sanders of Bronx, New York; Kyle Sanders of Albany, New York; Clairesse Sanders of Queens, New York; Darnesha Sanders of Bronx, New York; and Grace Sanders, Elijah Sanders, and Nevaeh Sanders of Rembert, South Carolina.

Treasured Siblings — Bonds of Love That Last Forever

Gloria Felton, her loving sister and whom she affectionately called her “twin,”; along with Marilyn, Richard, Al, Curtis, Anthony, Mary Kate, Casey, Jimmy, and Doretha.

Generations of Love — Her Beloved Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren

Rosie’s life was richly blessed with 29 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to her heart and purpose to her days. Left to cherish her memories: Tekeya (London, Devontae, Paisleigh), Kymora (Khayir), Tatiyana, Sanaa, Nasir, Aiyanna, Elijah, Nelson, Christian, Gabriella, Azai, Anaya, Phoenix, Nova, Alaya, Imani (Mi’Kael), Larae, Anthony (Aaliyah, Autumn, Anthony Jr.), Derrick Jr., Derrick III, Jaden, Jordan, Joshua, Kwamonique (Juelz and Egypt), Jaden, Jaree, Chi Rihanna, Amaya, Niriah, and Nalani.

Rosie also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and treasured friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, wisdom, strength, and unconditional love.

Although her physical presence is no longer with us, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the strength she carried will live on forever. Rosie’s beautiful spirit, warm heart, and unwavering faith will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her. Her legacy of love will continue to live on through every life she touched.

Rosie, your love will remain with us forever.