Ola Almedia Sanders

Ola Almedia “Media” Sanders, 96, of Longview, Texas, passed away on December 12, 2025, in Longview.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Kevin Brown. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Eros, Louisiana, on April 18, 1929, she was the daughter of Julian James Crowell and Clemmie Coon Crowell. A longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Mauriceville, Media’s faith was a guiding force in her life. Growing up in Winfree Baptist Church, Media cultivated a strong spiritual foundation that remained with her throughout her life. For over three decades, Media owned and operated Media's Beauty Salon in Bridge City, a place where countless clients experienced not only a transformation in their appearance but also the warmth of her personality. Prior to establishing her salon, she honed her skills at Merle Norman, demonstrating her passion for the beauty industry. Media's culinary skills were beloved by all who knew her; she was particularly famous for her chocolate pies and cornbread dressing, often gracing family gatherings and church events with her delicious creations. Her hands, deft and skilled from years of practice, were also the ones crafting intricate crocheted works, another reflection of her creativity and devotion. Her love for gardening and working in her yard provided her with immense joy and fulfillment. The vibrant flowers and lush plants that flourished under her care were a testament to her nurturing spirit. In remembering Media’s life, we celebrate a life that was filled with purpose, love, and artistry. She leaves behind a multitude of cherished memories, and the enduring impact of a strong Christian woman who embraced life with grace and made the world a better place through her kindness.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Clemmie Crowell; her husband, Marvin C. “Slick” Sanders; and her siblings, Raymond Crowell, Irvin Crowell, Erma Blume, Elaine Dowdy, and Evelyn Owens.

She is survived by her children, Glen W. Sanders, Keith Sanders and wife, Mary Ann, Rick Sanders and wife, Sherron, and Carolyn Sanders Beck and husband, Joe; her grandchildren, Jason Sanders, Sherri Foreman, Eric Justice, and Justin Sanders; her great-grandchildren, Tyler Sanders, Kali Beck, Tanner Sanders, Hannah Foreman, Austin Sanders, and Harli Foreman; her great-great-grandchild, Jackson; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Sanders, Tanner Sanders, Austin Sanders, Jimmy Foreman, Justin Sanders, and Joe Beck.