Some people’s moods vary from day to day, and that’s actually pretty common among most of us. There are those folks who are seemingly always in a testy mood, but then there are those rare individuals who are always calm, happy, and polite -- those special people whose countenance is genteel and courteous to a fault, no matter the day or time.
Steven Sanders was one of those people.
Whether at work at Synovus Bank, at a Kiwanis meeting or event, or at his church, Old Fellowship Baptist, he could always be counted on for that level, tranquil demeanor. Even in the face of a grave illness, with the realization that the outcome would likely not be good, Steven still maintained a calmness and politeness that few would likely muster under the circumstances.
When fellow Kiwanian, Connie Saunders, visited him in hospice just a few days before his passing, she wasn’t sure whether he would know her, given his condition. She reminded him who she was, and his reply was a soft “yes ma'am.”
The true southern-boy spirit wouldn’t allow him to answer without the requisite “ma'am” that many of us have been taught from birth as the polite way to respond to a lady. His mindset was the same as always, even in such a grave circumstance.
When asked about Steven, church friend, Susan Groover Boddiford, said, "I first became acquainted with Steven as the pianist for his wedding to Kristie in 2003. He and Kristie, and later Dalton, have been faithful members of our church since that time and have willingly served our church in so many capacities through the years. Any time there was a need to help serve the church whether it be helping with Vacation Bible School or helping as the youth undertook a huge community wide barbeque to benefit one of their own, Steven and Kristie were both ready and willing to help.”
She further stated, “Steven faithfully taught Sunday School for that youth group in recent years. I had the privilege to serve on the finance committee with Steven the past several years where he skillfully, but humbly, used his financial knowledge to help guide the budgeting and financial planning of our church."
Many of those same youth he influenced in life lined the pews of the church at Steven’s service, a testament to the impact he had on their lives.
Colleague and mentor, Darron Burnette, who worked with Steven at Synovus bank said the following, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and esteemed colleague. Throughout the years we've spent together, both in the office and outside it, his unwavering dedication, civic-mindedness, and humility have left an indelible impression on me.”
In addition, “In the workplace, he demonstrated a true desire to help his clients achieve their goals. Steven made all of us better, not just as colleagues, but as people. Beyond the confines of our bank, his civic-minded spirit shone brightly. He genuinely cared for our community and worked tirelessly to make it a better place. Perhaps the most remarkable trait was his humility. Despite his accomplishments, Steven always remained grounded, treating everyone with respect and kindness. He never sought recognition but always deserved it.”
Matt Anderson, immediate past president of the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, had this to say, “Steven taught me how to lead by example, and has been instrumental to the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro’s financial stability over the last several years. He gave countless hours to our club in his service and leadership as treasurer. This world would be a better place with more people like Steven Sanders in it. He will be sorely missed, and we all are blessed to have known Steven.”
For Steven Sanders, there is a recurring theme—humble, dedicated, faithful, skillful, quiet, and the list could go on, and would obviously embarrass Steven if he were here to hear those things said. That is just who he was, and what so very many friends and colleagues have echoed about Steven. He made his part of the world a better place, and this place is diminished because of his absence.
Writer Liz Newman said, “And in the quiet, I hear the echo of your absence. In the stillness, in the silence, my heart aches with emptiness. Loss is so loud, oh, loss is so loud.”
With Steven, his absence may be the loudest he has ever been, certainly for Kristie and Dalton, but for all of those who knew him.