"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Delpha F. Sanders, affectionately known as Faye, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025 at her residence in Petersburg, VA.

Faye was born on February 15, 1957, to the late William Henry Pettiford and Dorothy Mae Pettiford.  She was raised in Ettrick, VA on Thelma Avenue with her seven siblings.  Faye graduated from Matoaca High School in Matoaca, VA in 1974 and furthered her studies at Virginia State College.

At an early age, Faye joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Matoaca, VA but later joined Third Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA with her husband and children.  She was also a member of the gospel group, Kim and the Jubilees, under the direction of James A. Jones II.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Henry Pettiford; mother, Dorothy Mae Pettiford; father-in-law, Webster Sanders; brother, Don P. Pettiford; sister, Felicia D. Pettiford; brothers-in-law, James A. Jones  III and Calvin Price, Jr.; niece, Shanticia R. Brown-McFarland; and her nephew, Duane L. Brown.

Faye is survived by her "honey", her loving husband, Elick Sanders (AKA Chico); devoted children, Lorenzo Sanders, Floretta Berlack, Dana Sanders (Jonathan), Sha'Nae Sanders, and Kimberly Sanders; her siblings, Glenda Pettiford, Juan Pettiford (Erma), Cheryl Jones, Sophronia Pettiford, and her twin, Delphi Coleman (Marvin); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Tyrell Short, Kendall Short, Rondell Short, Jaiden Sanders, Za'Vaiyah Sanders-Elmore, Journee' Tyler, Jenesis Tyler, and Jonathan Tyler; and great-grandchildren, Kassidy Short, Khloe Short, Chance Short, Kannon Short, and Jaiden Short.

Faye could often be found at a store playing her numbers. She was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  Her delicious homemade sweet potato pies that she lovingly prepared for family gatherings and holidays will be truly missed. Faye's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 P.M., Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com .