Annie Lois (Sanders) Venable

Annie Lois Sanders Venable was born on September 7, 1928, in Bartlett, TX. She was the fifth of twelve children born to Thomas Leroy Sanders and Myrtle Lee Bagley Sanders. Annie Lois attended Bartlett Public Schools. Will attending school, a teacher named Mrs. Cooper, changed her name from Annie Lois to Anna Lois.

Lois married Willie B. Venable Sr. on April 6, 1946. They remained married for 58 years and 9 months until his death. To this union five children were born: Willie B. Jr, Larry, Ronnie, Danny and Vicki.

At an early age, Lois accepted Christ and was baptized by the late Rev. E.L. Johnson at the Mount Arie Baptist Church in Bartlett, TX. The importance of having the love of God in her life prompted her to join the Eighth Street Baptist Church in 1946 under leadership of Rev. D.T. Trammel. Lois was a devoted and active member of the Eighth Street Baptist Church until her health failed. She served as a Sunday School and Training Union teacher, Girls’ Auxiliary leader, Mission Society President, Mission I member, Deaconess and Sunday School Superintendent.

Lois had an infectious smile that would light up any room. She was extremely talkative and would strike up a conversation with anyone. Lois was an extremely wise woman and was always willing to help and give advice. Anyone who spent time around her could quote at least one of her “Loisisms.” She was personable, witty and full of laughter. She loved her family and enjoyed attending Sunday School and Mission.

On Friday, January13, 2023, Christ called Lois from labor to reward. She finished her course loving her God, her Savior Jesus Christ and her family. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Willie B. Venable, Sr., her two sons: Ronnie Venable and Danny Venable; five brothers: Thomas, Charles, Quinnon, Lynwood and William Sanders; four sisters: Dorothy Marion, Mable Fletcher, Doris Brown and Edna Price.

She leaves to mourn and cherish her memories, two sons: Willie Venable Jr. of Katy, TX,Larry Venable (Peggy) of La Porte, TX, and daughter, Vicki Venable of Baytown,TX two sisters, Essie Bookman, Elsie Nealy  of Temple,  TX; threegrandchildren: Deirdra Venable-Hamilton (Roland), Keith Venable (Krystal) and Cory Venable; Six great-grandchildren: Kriston, Kristan, Knowledge and Ibria Venable, and Amiya and Amari Pierce; sister-in-law: Annetta Venable; special friends: Marion “Fritz” Loving and David Fletcher; and a host of nieces, nephews and other precious family members.