Deacon Jimmy Dwight Sanders was born on August 14, 1956, in Cairo, Georgia, to the late Mose Sanders and Annie Mae Sanders. At an early age, he accepted Christ and joined Wilson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served for many years. He worked diligently wherever he was needed and served as Sunday School Superintendent for an extended period.

After a brief period of employment with Roddenberry Pickle Company following his graduation from Cairo High School, Jimmy pursued higher education at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Sociology. While attending Morris Brown College, he pledged the Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Jimmy remained in Cairo for much of his life until declining health required him to relocate. Upon returning to Cairo, he was ordained and added to the Deacon Board of Wilson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He also became a member of Ezekiel Lodge #7, where he faithfully served until entering PruittHealth Nursing Home in Moultrie, Georgia.

On May 28, 2026, Deacon Jimmy Dwight Sanders peacefully departed this life.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Jimmy Dwight Sanders, Jr.; his beloved grandson, Jackson Sanders of Jacksonville, Florida; and his sisters, Betty Broomfield of Palm Bay, Florida, and Teresa (Robert) Jones of Cairo, Georgia. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Reverend James Keeton (Leslie) of Charleston, South Carolina; Melody Keaton of Charleston, South Carolina; Lashonda Able Tucker of Palm Bay, Florida; Minister Leon (Tammy) Tucker; Veronica Sanders of Severn, Maryland; Zanthic Sanders of Bainbridge, Georgia; Bobby (Alita) Sanders of Stone Mountain, Georgia; Gerald (Karen) Sanders of Conyers, Georgia; and Michael Wolford of Melbourne, Florida. He also leaves a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews. Additionally, he leaves special friends including the brothers of Ezekiel Lodge #7; Reverend and Mrs. Ananias Hopkins III; Mother Mary Ann Lurry and family; Ginger Gurley; Pastor Dr. Simon; and the Cairo High School Class of 1974. Jimmy also leaves behind his devoted friend, Gwenevere Thedder Heard of Detroit, Michigan, whom he met while attending Morris Brown College. Jimmy and Gwen were reunited during his stay at PruittHealth. She was deeply respected and brought tremendous joy, comfort, and happiness to his life during his final years.