Nancy (Pruette) Sanders

Nancy Pruette Sanders, Ph.D., 76, of New Orleans, LA passed away on November 1, 2024, with her beloved daughter, Ashley, at her side. The date of her passing was auspicious, signified by All Saints Day and Diwali, the festival of lights. Of note, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance – all of which Nancy embodied. She is survived by her daughter, Ashley Fortune Pruette Sanders, stepson, Robert Donald Sanders Jr., daughter-in-law, Stefany Lynn Sanders, grandsons, Warren and Russell Sanders, and many loving friends and family members.

Born April 22, 1948 to Gladys Bishop Pruette and Charles Clayton Pruette in Selma, AL, Nancy began her life in Frisco City, AL, later moving to Montgomery, AL. Nancy was a graduate of Samford University and a member of the Zeta Zeta Chapter of Chi Omega. She went on to obtain her Master’s in Psychology from Auburn University. While in Alabama, she met Robert “Bob” Donald Sanders, Ph.D., and the two married on June 4, 1977. Nancy then graduated from the University of Alabama with a Doctorate in Psychology in 1983.

Nancy and Bob moved to Louisiana, where Nancy became head of the Psychology Department at Metropolitan Developmental Center (MDC) in Belle Chasse, LA. Nancy was a dedicated, thoughtful, and caring psychologist, working with individuals who were developmentally delayed. She was deeply loved and respected by all of MDC’s staff and clients and was considered by all a woman of great integrity.

Nancy was also deeply involved in St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church. There, she advocated for the rights of the LGBTQ+ and immigrant community. Nancy was ordained and served as a deacon and assisted with the liturgy on Sunday mornings. She served on her church’s governing board and also led the Congregational Care team. She held the unofficial title of “Party Planner Extraordinaire,” and in this role, she often arranged flowers, decorations, and organized social gatherings at the church.

Nancy loved travelling, but above all, she loved the beautiful country of Ireland. So much so that from the mid-1980s until April 2024, she visited Ireland upwards of 18 times with her family. Nancy was also a highly skilled embroiderer and crafter.

Nancy was nothing short of a profound, bright light in the lives of everyone she encountered. She made a lasting impact on all – most significantly, her daughter, Ashley. Nancy always had a quick joke or anecdote to share - even on her final day. The world was lucky to have her, and we will miss her every day.

Per her wishes, a graveside funeral service will be held on November 9, 2024, at 1:00pm at Bay Minette Cemetery (5th St., Bay Minette, AL 36507), followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to her beloved church, St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church (www.stcharlesave.church/donate).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy (Pruette) Sanders, please visit our floral store.