Leola "Jerry" Jane Sanderson

Leola Jane “Jerry” Sanderson of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at Hampton Manor in Livingston County, Michigan on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Jerry was born on January 19, 1928 in Coffee County, Georgia to Willie and Ola Lee Poland.  She spent her youth throughout the Southern United States in Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas.  She was working in a military cafeteria in Arkansas when she met the love of her life, James W. Sanderson.  While serving overseas in Italy, Jim sent her a telegram to prepare for a quiet wedding and the two were united in marriage on June 5, 1945 in Ferndale, Michigan. They began their life together in Brimley, Michigan before settling in Battle Creek.

There was nothing more important to Jerry than her family and she worked tirelessly to provide for them. She is survived by her son Dean M. (Mary Ann) Sanderson of Pinckney, four grandchildren Courtney Buchanan of Pinckney, Meghan Jeffreys of Chelsea, Kacie (Alex) Krol of Pinckney, Brett Sanderson of Pinckney, seven great grandchildren, Nicholas Sanderson, Andrew Buchanan, Mason Buchanan, Quinn Jeffreys, Camryn Jeffreys, Deacon Jeffreys, Harper Krol, and her beloved sister Amy Blair.   She is preceded in death by her husband, James W. Sanderson, two sons, J. Larry Sanderson and Ray S. Sanderson, and grandson James E. Sanderson.

Jerry proudly owned and operated Jerry’s Hair Fashions in Battle Creek for 54 years and treated all of her customers as family friends.  She was a proud business woman that received many accolades and also found time to teach at cosmetology schools for several years.  When she wasn’t working you would often find Jerry sewing, gardening, or in the kitchen.  She enjoyed cooking and baking and made sure you never left her house on an empty stomach. 

The family will receive friends 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 27th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where services to celebrate her life will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the Calhoun County Red White Blue Foundation c/o the Battle Creek Community Foundation, would be appreciated.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Jerry may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.