Norma Sue Sanders

Indianapolis, IN – Norma Sue Sanders (née Thornton), 92, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on January 26, 1933, in Memphis, TN, Norma Sue was the cherished only daughter of Zora Mae (Grisham) and Clyde B. Thornton. She grew up in Memphis, often surrounded by extended family living with them, next door and across the backyard. Active in both church and community, she played the organ at her church, served as Worthy Advisor for Rainbow Girls, and was county president for the National Red Cross among many other activities.

Norma Sue met Bobby (as they were known in their youth) in her early teens at church activities in Memphis. They were married for 69 years and together for 75 years before his passing. A devoted pastor, preacher, and writer, Bob served in ministry for more than 60 years, and Sue (as she came to be called) was faithfully by his side as they lived and worked in Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and their journey of faith even included a banana boat ride to Tegucigalpa, Honduras where they served a church there. Along the way, she continued her own church and community service, leading women's circles, organizing mission projects, and contributing her talents wherever needed.

She attended Memphis State College, but paused studies when she started raising their children. Later, she worked in a variety of roles, including with the American Heart Association in Carbondale, IL, and at Lakeland College in Mattoon, IL. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her dear children, making costumes and crafts for her adored grandchildren, water aerobics with her loyal friends, researching family genealogy, and welcoming loved ones home for holidays and gatherings.

Sue made her home in Indianapolis beginning in 1997 and, since 2022, had resided at Westminster Village North. She was a devoted member of Cumberland First Baptist Church in Cumberland, IN.

She is survived by her children, Neal (Jean) Sanders, Alan (Deborah DaSilva) Sanders, and Laurie (Casey) Squire; and by her grandchildren, Abbie Wells, Shelby Sanders, Justin Squire, and Carlie Squire. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert N. Sanders Sr.; and her daughter, Linda (Howard Wells) Sanders.

Private family services and committal will be held, with a memorial service at Cumberland First Baptist to be scheduled at a later date.