Freida Gayle Sanders

Freida Gayle Sanders, age 77, passed away at her home near Ackerman, Mississippi, on December 2, 2025, following two years of health issues. She was born in Starkville, Mississippi, on September 10, 1948.

Freida is survived by one brother Jerry Dale Sanders (Shirley) of Ackerman; nieces Kimberly Sanders of Starkville and Christy Sanders Horner (Gerald) of Spring Hill, Tennessee; her great nieces and nephews; and several cousins. Freida was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Thelma Sanders; one brother Billy King Sanders; and grandparents and cousins from both the Sanders and King families. Freida was a member and attended the Ackerman Church of Christ for much of her life.

As a child, Freida spent summer weeks with cousins in Jackson and Columbus, forming lifelong friendships with them and their families. Throughout her life, she treasured the friendships she built in Ackerman and the surrounding communities. Freida was known for her friendly nature and the fun and laughter she brought to gatherings.

Freida graduated with honors from Ackerman High School, Class of 1966, and attended Mississippi State University, where she became a devoted—and often vocal—Bulldog fan for life. Over the years, she held several positions in Starkville, including MSU Accounting Data Clerk in the Comptroller and Treasurer’s Office; Route Settlements & Payroll Department staff for the Northeast Mississippi Coca-Cola Bottling Company; Office Manager at AmeriGas; Branch Manager at Advance America; and, finally, Administrative Secretary for MSU’s 4-H Youth Development program at Mississippi State.Among the many roles she filled in life, Freida may be best remembered for the devoted care she provided to her parents, who lived to be 88 and 91 and were able to remain in their home as long as they wished. Freida shared this same desire for herself, and she was blessed to fulfill her wish of remaining in her home near Ackerman until her passing.

A graveside service will be held at Salem Cemetery, west of Chester in Choctaw County, in the family plot. The date and time will be announced later. Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman is entrusted with arrangements.