Anita was a 1975 graduate of Cornell High School (Coraopolis, PA). In 1980, she earned a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Johnson C. Smith University. After the birth of her daughter, Samantha, she returned to college and received her Master of Education Degree with a Concentration in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  During her professional career, Anita's love for learning afforded her the opportunity to earn teaching credentials in five disciplines -- EC Language Arts, Cross Categorical K-12, EC Mathematics K-6, EC Science K-6 and EC Social Studies K-6.

Anita was destined to be an educator. As a little girl, while attending Sunday School, someone prophesied to her that she would be a teacher one day, and she did indeed.  Anita worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for over 30 years. She was known to be a dedicated and outstanding teacher and facilitator at Reedy Creek Elementary School, Shamrock Gardens Elementary School, and prior to retirement, Martin Luther King Middle School.  Her passion for instruction, distinct delivery of words, and a love for children could be seen daily by her students and colleagues.

Anita loved to sing and listen to gospel music. She enjoyed spending time with her children by hosting parties, watching movies, and dining out. Her favorite pass time was reading and sitting in her recliner while watching her favorite channels Hallmark and the Lifetime Movies Network.

Anita was a faithful and active member of Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church (Charlotte NC) where she served on various ministries and auxiliary groups. She was instrumental in the development and instruction of the Crown Financial Ministries, devoted Sunday school teacher, Women's Prayer Partners, and the New Member's Orientation Committee. She participated in the Performing Arts and Music Ministries as a soprano.  Her talents were utilized in the Celestials of Sinai and the Voices of Sinai.  We would often hear Anita singing, "There is Power in the Name of Jesus!" and "Order My Steps".

Anita became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the Gamma Delta Chapter, on April 22, 1978, while attending Johnson C. Smith University. In her later years, she served in the Zeta Mu Omega Chapter (Gastonia, NC).  Among her many duties and responsibilities, she had a passion to uphold the successes of her sorority sisters. Therefore, Anita served diligently on the Awards Committee. In recent years, to eliminate her commute to Gastonia, Anita transferred to the Rho Psi Omega Chapter (Charlotte, NC), where she remained an active member.

Anita was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 29 years, Mr. Sam Sanders, Jr; her sisters: Anne Edwards, Mattie Edwards, Bettie Edwards, and brother Fred Edwards.

Anita leaves to cherish her memory three children: Latoya Sanders-Sahadeo (Kevin), Marc Kirkpatrick, and Samantha Denise Sanders (Curtis Norris), children in love: LaShawn Barksdale-Byfield (Percival), Melanie Rainey, and Antwan Rainey; ten grandchildren, which include her precious granddaughter, Amor; and one great-grandchild. She is survived by three sisters: Lula Green, Loretta Edwards, and Roseline Edwards, one brother:  Willie Edwards (Cinie), and one sister-in-law: Roxie Edwards-Johnson. She had a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom she valued as family.