Sylvia Jopes “Mimi” Sanders passed away Thursday, August 11, 2011, in Tallahassee, Fla. She is survived by: her loving husband of fifty-four years Ernest; her children: Guy Sanders (Hollie) and Leigh Mallard (Rick) of Tallahassee, and Carolyn Royal of Port St. Joe; her grandchildren: Lindsey, Chase, Connor and Ty; her brother, Terrell Jopes (Mary Joy) of Picayune,  as well as her loving first cousins: Marguerite Morris and Carolyn Moody; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sylvia was born on September 11, 1934, in Picayune to the late Guy and Legon Jopes. After graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, La., she married her high school sweetheart Ernie and moved to Montgomery, Ala. and then New York before settling in Tallahassee. Throughout her entire life, Sylvia had a deep passion for music. She loved musicals and was a member of the marching band in college. Sylvia was also an avid tennis player.

Between caring for her family and all the animals she gave a home to, Sylvia found plenty of time to give back to her community. She was a member of the Ivy-Daisy Garden Circle, PEO, Tallahassee Historical Society, and Trinity United Methodist Church. Sylvia and Ernie also devoted a lot of their time to Goodwood, where Ernie worked as a docent and Sylvia manned the visitors’ table selling tickets for his tours.

Funeral services were held at 3:30 pm Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist, Tallahassee.

Sylvia Sanders was incredibly beloved and spread love and compassion to every life she touched. Our family would like to thank the wonderful medical professionals who helped care for our dearly loved wife and mother. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1086, Tallahassee, FL 32302.

Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee was in charge of arrangements.