Tommy Sanders

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at First United Methodist Church for Tommy Jeanne Sanders of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mrs. Sanders, 90, died November 21, 2019 at her home in Artesia.

Rev. Monty Leavell will officiate at the services. Cremation will take place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.


Tommy was born December 31, 1928 in Artesia NM to Tom Franklin and Myrtle Dutch (Roop) Franklin. She was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church. Tommy had many careers to feed her four children. From baking cinnamon rolls and candy to two feet high wedding cakes. In 1959 she went to Beauty School and was a beautician for several years, before she and her daughte Jaynie opened their own shop. Then in 1970 she bought Nelle's Floral and in 1974 she combined both businesses at 712 W. Dallas. In 2012 she received the Living Treasures Award from the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center Foundation. She worked as a florist until she sold both businesses in 2017 and retired.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Karey Taylor, sister Nancy Sparrow, brother Jim Franklin, sister-in-law Imogene Franklin Loyd and great-nephew Tommy Sparrow.

Tommy is survivedby two daughters Jeanne Graham and Jaynie Hager; a son Kevin Sanders; grandchildren Lyndee Graham, Bridgette Graham, Missy Graham Davis and husband Paul, Kristy Ford, Stephanie Mansell and husband Jason, Ronnie Taylor and wife Maria, Jennifer Taylor and husband Brian; great-grandchildren Bradley Griffith, Lily Graham, Lakota LaMure, Shaliegh Smith, Caleb Leger, Trent Taylor, Nathan Taylor, Brylan Taylor; great-great-grandchildren Kalley Terry, Cayten Smith, Skylar Smith and Stetson Smith.

Tommy spent everyday of her life sharing her love of the Lord to everyone she met. She will be missed by many.