John L. Sanders Sr.

John Lansome Sanders Sr. (better known as BIG MAN) was born November 30, 1937, to Lansome and Fannie Sanders in Beatrice, Alabama. He grew up in a large family of eleven children: 8 boys and 3 girls. John loved his family and was committed to keeping everyone close together. John was more than the head of his household; he was also the patriarch of his family. He would be best known for his ability to comfort people during their time of need.

John attended and graduated from Monroe County Training School in Beatrice Alabama. In pursuit of better opportunities, John left Alabama and came to Chicago in 1959 where he resided with his cousin Pastor Gilbert and Maryola Locke.

John later would meet his future wife Annetta Marie Sanders. They committed themselves to each other on August 17, 1963. This union would bring forth 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

John began his Chicago employment at Firman House as a custodian. He later continued his education at Dunbar Trade School for Plumbing. This motivated him to start his career working for the City of Chicago Department of Water Management. John was a hard worker and started as a Laborer, then a plumber, was promoted to Foreman, and again to District Foreman until his retirement in 2009. He would often joke that nobody could break his record of working one job for 48 years and 6 months.

John started his walk with Christ at Sylvester Baptist Church in Beatrice Alabama. After arriving to Chicago, he would join Greater Lily Baptist Church and would attend Chicago Baptist Institute where he received his certificate which inspired him to serve as a Deacon. John later joined Compassion Baptist Church and served as a Deacon until his passing in 2023. He faithfully served in various ministries at Compassion Baptist Church and volunteered to clean the church every Monday morning. He was truly committed to being a faithful servant for the Lord.

John was truly a servant and was committed to anything that he was a part of. He was eagerly engaged in helping the 14th Ward Community for several years, he assisted with voter registration, helped on election days and was active with as many activities for the City of Chicago as he could. John loved to debate politics, he loved to tell stories and his most enjoyable time was with his family.

John gained his wings June 22, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Lansome and Fannie Sanders, son Mark Sanders, two brothers Henry Sanders, Jimmy Sanders, and one sister Fannie May Casara.

John leaves to cherish his wife, Annetta Marie Sanders, two children, John Jr. Sanders (Chondan) and Sonya Quinn (Rodney). Five brothers: David Sr., Elbert Sanders (Barbara), Clinton Sanders, Jerome Sanders (Jackie), Raymond Sanders (Beverly), and two sisters Irene Bradberry (Floyd), Lynda Sanders, sister-in-law Maude Sanders, special friend Ann Hill, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.