Ramona "Mona" Burns Sanders of Shelby, NC, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, at the age of 85.

Mona was born on September 10, 1938, in Henry River Village, North Carolina to Raymond and Johnsie Burns of Hildebrand, NC. She was preceded in death by both parents, her husband of 60 years, James "JC" Sanders, her brother, Jim Burns, her daughter-in-law, Melody Sanders, and her granddaughter, Kaylee Sanders. Mona is survived by her sons Clark Sanders (Dena) and Ben Sanders (Elizabeth), four grandsons, Kristopher Sanders (Hannah), Noah Sanders, Brandon Sanders, and Isaac Sanders, her sister, Phillis B. (Bill) Yost, and brother, Joel (Donna) Burns. She also leaves behind many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and special friends.

Mona was a graduate of Hildebrand High School, obtained her bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University, and later earned her master's degree from Gardner-Webb University. She was deeply involved in her community and was a founding member of Crestview Baptist Church in Shelby, NC. With her passion for education and mentoring, Mona devoted herself to a fulfilling career as an educator and coach within the North Carolina Public School system, alongside her role as a dedicated Sunday School teacher at Crestview.

Her life was enriched by many things, including her love for Jesus, sharing the gospel, playing sports, spending time with her grandchildren at their athletic events and music performances, the adventures she shared with family and friends during camping trips, and avidly following college basketball, particularly cheering for Coach K and the Duke Basketball program.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Carolina Caring Palliative Care and Hospice for their tremendous care: Dr. Walker, Kelly A., Megan E., Penny L., Shannon, Allision, and the rest of the team.

A memorial service will be held at Crestview Baptist Church in Shelby, NC, on July 27, 2024, at 3:00 pm. The family will begin to receive friends in the foyer at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, an account to raise funds for youth to attend church camps in their communities has been set up with the North Carolina State Employee Credit Union at 435 East College Ave, Shelby, NC, 28152. When writing checks, please make them payable to NCSECU with a notation of Acct #64459788.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the family.

Online condolences can be made at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com