Joyce Sanders

Joyce "Rinky" Sanders, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.

Rinky was born on November 6, 1937, in Borger, Texas, to Guy Chivers and Murl Perryman Chivers. Known affectionately as "Rinky" to family and friends, she brought joy, laughter, warmth, and grace to all who knew her. A gifted pianist and musician, she shared her love of music generously, using her talents to uplift and delight others throughout her life.

Rinky grew up in Phillips, Texas, where she formed lifelong friendships that she cherished and faithfully maintained throughout her life. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church in Phillips, laying the foundation for a lifetime of deep and abiding faith. She graduated from Phillips High School in 1955 and then attended Baylor University, where she met the love of her life, Dr. Hugh Sanders. Their marriage was a defining joy of her life. Together, they raised two children, Stan and Stacie, and created a home filled with love, faith, hospitality, and an ever-present abundance of music.

Dr. Sanders served as director of choirs at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, and at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He also served as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Canyon and at Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco. Rinky and Hugh were an extraordinary team at each of these places. They deeply loved their many students at West Texas State and Baylor and their church choir members. They frequently entertained students and choir members in their home where they were treated to Rinky's exceptional cooking-especially her famous homemade hot rolls.

Rinky was best known for her many talents and passions. She was an accomplished pianist who served faithfully for many years as church pianist at First Baptist Church in Canyon. She entertained and blessed people with her piano playing throughout her life, even in her final years at Lynridge Assisted Living, where her piano filled the community with joy and life. She also found great happiness in baking, cooking, and entertaining, and her kitchen was often the heart of joyful gatherings of family, students, and friends. A devoted supporter of Baylor University, she proudly cheered on the Bears and delighted in sharing that enthusiasm with others, including the playing of "That Good Ol' Baylor Line".

Rinky loved everyone she met and was easy to love in return. She possessed an indomitable spirit and was frequently described as a "firecracker"-truly one of a kind. Kind and generous beyond compare, her natural instinct was always to make others feel welcomed, loved, and special. One of her most endearing traditions was giving $2 bills-especially to children-as a tangible reminder that they were special and loved. As a result, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of proud members of Rinky's famous "$2 Bill Club."

She is survived by her son, Stan Sanders (daughter-in-law, Deanna); her daughter, Stacie Hendrickson (son-in-law, Carey); her grandchildren, Holly Priest (Buddy), Hunter Hendrickson (Emily), Caleb Hugh Sanders (Alexis); Jared Sanders (Beatrice); and her great-grandchildren, Peter Hugh Hendrickson, Benjamin Paul Hendrickson, Monty Norman "Ty" Priest III, Mary Margaret Hendrickson, and Melody Lyn Priest.

Rinky was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Hugh Sanders; her father, Guy Chivers; her mother, Murl Chivers; and her sister, Pat Coleman.

A service celebrating Rinky's life will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. Visitation will take place prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Arlington.

Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas.

Memorial donations may be made in Rinky's name to Mission Arlington at missionarlington.org/financialsupport.

Rinky will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, her remarkable musical gifts, and the kindness she extended so freely to everyone she encountered. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the countless lives she touched.