Myrtis Dean Bland Sanders, 85 years old of Texarkana, Texas was granted her wings on Sunday morning, January 10, 2021 in Dallas, Texas.

Myrtis was the firstborn of the late John and Clara Bland.

She attended Macedonia High School and graduated valedictorian of her class at the age of sixteen. After graduating she attended Prairie View A&M University.

She later married Matthew Sanders on July 14, 1956. Together they parented four children.

Myrtis was a lifetime member of the Hickory Hill Baptist Church. She was a former Sunday school teacher and a faithful choir member. She was known in the city for her singing ability and her willingness to share her talent with other church choirs.

Myrtis was employed with K-Mart and later with St. Michael Heath System. She retired from both.

She was preceded in death by her husband of twenty-five years, one daughter – Vivian "Vicki" Sanders, one granddaughter – Amber and two sisters – Lois Bland Fisher and Marie Bland James.

She is survived by her longtime companion – Robert Nelson, two sons – Matt Jr. (Sherri) Sanders and Michael (Qynthia) Sanders, one daughter – Janet Phillips-Sanders (Ricky), eight grandchildren – Sandrea, Josef, Kathryn, Jerome, Jennifer, Jessica, Michael, Jr. and Shelby; fourteen great-grandchildren, three brothers – John Bland, Jr., Charles Bland (Mary), and William "Billy" Bland (Anita); seven sisters- Ruby Stigers (Lewis), Dorothy Robinson, Alice Rivers, Frances Shead, Cecelia Pittman, Lynn Hill (Sylvester) and Diana Miles (Rodney); many nieces, nephews and other relatives.