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Amanda Mainell Sanders, 52, of Cedar Creek Lake, Texas, passed away on September 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on November 30, 1972, in Dallas, Texas, to Jaine Katherine Sanders and Benjamin Leroy Sanders, Amanda was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her.
For over 30 years, Amanda dedicated herself to a career in customer service, bringing smiles support to countless individuals who crossed her path. Amanda left high school early to support her family, she took pride in earning her GED in 2014. This accomplishment is a testament to her strength and determination, qualities that defined her character throughout her life. Amanda possessed a remarkable personality, never meeting a stranger and always surrounding herself with friends and family. Her kind-hearted nature meant she could light up any room with her warm smile and was always ready to lend a hand. She truly would give you the shirt off her back.
In 2023, Amanda married Charles Smith, a relationship that brought her immense joy and comfort in her later years. Together, they built a partnership filled with love, and through this union, Amanda embraced her role as a stepmother to four stepchildren and gained two step-grandsons.
She found joy in many activities, including gardening, painting, and engaging in various arts and crafts. Amanda also had a penchant for romance novels and loved sharing her favorite television shows, like Outlander, often playfully "torturing" her sons-in-law in the process. As a huge fan of Harry Potter, she found magic in stories that resonated with her spirit. Her affection for films like Steel Magnolias and Fried Green Tomatoes reflected her humor and the strength of her southern heart.
Amanda's proudest accomplishment was undoubtedly her role as a grandmother, or Nana, whose grandchildren were her whole world. She cherished every moment spent spoiling, supporting, and showering them with love. Her home was an open sanctuary, one where many children found solace and care, as she became a second mom to countless individuals over the years. Known for her impactful and affectionate words, Amanda often quipped, “I’ll give you something to cry about,” but what will remain in the hearts of her loved ones are her sincere declarations of, “I love you to the moon and back.”
Two of her favorite Bible verses were: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 “Love is patient, love is kind... Love never fails.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4–8
Amanda is preceded in death by her parents, Jaine Katherine and Benjamin Leroy Sanders; brother, Kenny; the father of her children, Roy Brashear; Roy’s father, Walter Brashear; and many other loved ones she carried in her heart.
Amanda is survived by her husband, Charles Smith; children, Mary and husband Chris, Nathan and wife Cristianna, Tabitha and husband Alex; step-children, Charles, Christopher and wife Alissa, Justice, and Jasmine; grandchildren, Skye, Chevy, Savannah, Bentley, Kyle, George, Katherine, Hazel, David, and Olivia; step-grandchildren, Charlie and Grayson; siblings, Bubba and wife Cindy, Tina and husband Joe, and Mark; sister-in-law, Deann as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family members and friends.
Amanda's legacy is one of unconditional love, fierce loyalty, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her smile could light up a room, her heart knew no bounds, and her love will live on forever in the lives she touched.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
750 E Main St, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156
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