Bonita Arleen Woodie Sanders

Bonita Arleen Woodie was born to the late Mr. Richard I. Woodie and Mrs. Lois Mae Milhouse Woodie, she was one of the four children they shared together. Bonita was baptized at an early age at the Church of Christ in Bradenton, Florida.

Bonita was educated in the Manatee County School District, graduating from Manatee High School in 1977. Bonita went on to attend Manatee Junior College (MJC), now known as State College of Florida. Bonita was employed by Barnett Bank and worked as a senior teller for many years. Bonita also was employed by The Bradenton Herald and worked there for many years. She also worked and helped out with the family business (Westside Funeral Home) in her early years. Bonita was a dedicated member of the Church of Christ (Fourth Street) under the leadership of Pastor Roderick Woodie.

Bonita met the love of her life Ernest L. Sanders and was united in holy matrimony. To this union one son, Kevin L. Sanders, was born.

Bonita enjoyed singing, reading, cooking, and spending time with family. She had an enormous, loving presence and personality that reached everyone around her. She was very sharp and had an excellent memory. She was a historian in the community for family and friends. She also enjoyed using social media, especially Facebook, where she had a large following.

Preceding her in death are her father Mr. Richard I. Woodie; mother, Mrs. Lois Mae Woodie; brother, Richard I. Woodie, Jr.; brother-in-law, Karl L. Sanders; sister, Shawanna Marshall; niece, Angela Lowe Reaves; great niece, Evionna Edwards.

Bonita answered the call from our Heavenly Father on January 4, 2026, to rest peacefully from this earthly life and reunite with her late husband Ernest L. Sanders. She leaves to cherish her memories: one son, Kevin L. Sanders of Bradenton, FL; one stepdaughter, Yavonka S. Sanders of Palmetto, FL; two grandchildren, Gianna U. Sanders and Mia D. Sanders both of Sarasota, FL; four brothers, Lewis Woodie, Zachary Samuel, George (Bridgette) Woodie, and Darryl Woodie; eight sisters, Carolyn Lowe, Joan (Rudy) Bliss, Faye Fields, Vanzetta Lewis, Icelia (Michael) Fedd, Asia Roux, and Nisha Roux; two sisters-in-law, Verna L. Sanders and Darlene T. Sanders, both of Palmetto, FL; goddaughter, Sheron (Wesley) Riley; dear lifetime special friend/sister, Desalena (Gary) Bryant; one uncle, Gregory Milhouse; five aunts, Janie (Aaron) Davis, Lillian Woodie Sims, Linda (Raymond) Woodie, Anita Johnson, and Carolyn (Tom) Washington; she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends. 

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