Gwendolyn Ruth Sanders was born on July 12, 1939, in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Gwen spent part of her childhood in Tennessee before making her way to Texas. Gwen often joked, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could," expressing her deep pride in becoming a Texan.

Gwen married her beloved husband, Morris E. Sanders, on New Year's Eve in 1964 and was a devoted mother to Mark, Michelle, and Suzanne.

Life as a police officer's wife was not easy. She worried often and typed many term papers for Morris while he worked full-time and earned his degree in criminal justice. Gwen gave her time to the police association and her children's Parent-Teacher Association, volunteering many hours.

Gwen had a voracious appetite for politics; until the last breath she took, she would happily discuss the state of our nation with anyone willing to listen. Gwen was politically active in Arlington, particularly in mayoral races that affected the police department.

Raising three children on a police officer's salary was tough, so Gwen took on extra jobs once her children were in school so they could have some of the extras in life.

She was known for her cooking, especially her pizza, chocolate pie, and fried apple pies, and often welcomed Arlington police officers with pie and coffee during their breaks.

Gwen loved her family and dogs very much. Her perfect day was mowing the "back 40" on her riding lawnmower at her beloved Pecandale house, then enjoying a Dr. Pepper and Blue Bell ice cream. She found joy in Sunday meals with her kids gathered around the table. Gwen was funny and witty, with a heart of gold. Loyal to a fault, if Gwen loved you, she would have your back until the bitter end. There are no words to express how much Gwen will be missed by her family.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Sanders; her mother, Willie Mae Johnson; her father, Toby Lane; her sisters, Wanda Reeves and Linda Smart; and her brother, Elgus Howard.

She is survived by her son, Mark Sanders, and his wife Carrie; her daughter, Michelle Sanders; her daughter, Suzanne Sanders, and her husband Darren; her three grandchildren, Emer, Lillian, and Alec; and her brother, Randy Lane, and his wife Terri.

Gwen passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 86, with her son Mark and daughter-in-law Carrie by her side.

A celebration of her life will be held in Texas on Sunday, October. 18th, 2026. More details will be shared soon.