Wilma Sanders Howard

Wilma Grace Sanders Howard, age 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 17, 2026, surrounded by family.

Wilma was born in Hartwell Georgia to Guy and Willie Sanders. She was the fourth of five children. After growing up in a farming community, she moved to Atlanta after high school. She met Paul Howard in her first year of living in Atlanta and they were married in September 1950. She became a mother of two daughters, Cindy and Susan. Wilma and Paul lived and raised their family in Lithonia, Georgia, Paul’s hometown. Wilma made many friends and was an active mother. She chaired the PTA and started a Vacation Bible School program. Wilma was a devout Christian and enjoyed her many Bible study groups. After Paul’s retirement, the couple moved to Dacula, Georgia in 1992, where they were members of the Dacula United Methodist Church. The retirement years were some of their best years. Family, travel and friends dominated their lives.

Wilma and Paul were married for 67 years. She cared for Paul following his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s until his death in 2017. In 2021, Wilma moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina’s to live closer to her daughter, Cindy, at The Bayshore. Wilma lived independently until recently and made many friends at Bayshore. She loved nature and commented frequently on the beauty of the sky and the water.

Wilma loved to laugh, sing and spend time with family and friends. Southern food was one of her delights. Peach cobbler, fried chicken, sweet potato casserole and okra and tomatoes will always remind her family of her. She was a determined and independent soul.

Wilma is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Alan) Maloy of Hilton Head Island, SC and Susan (Sean) Maloney of Clemmons, NC, and five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Michael Maloney of San Francisco, Matt Maloney (Katherine) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Alex Maloy and Kathryn Maloy (John Gunnells) of Atlanta and John Maloney, of Knightsdale, North Carolina. Her great grandchildren are Clara and Lucas Maloney of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and her siblings, Melvin Sanders, Sara Whitworth, Kenneth Sanders and Shirley Sanders.

Wilma will be buried next to her husband, Paul, at Crossroads Baptist Church, Hartwell GA. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Sean Payne officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made The Deep Well Project, P.O. Box 5543, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements. On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.