On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Arlene "Lena" Sanders of Fort Worth, Texas, entered eternal rest at the age of 82. Arlene was born on December 10, 1941, to the loving parents Frank and Frances Jefferson in Malone, Texas. She was one of seven children in a close-knit family. Arlene was raised in Malone and later moved to Abilene, where she received her education at Woodson Elementary and Woodson High School. After graduating from high school, Arlene married Jessie Sanders, Jr. Their union was blessed with three sons: Darrell Wayne, Victor Ray, and Gregory Don. Preceding her in death are her parents, Frank Jefferson and Frances Allen, as well as her beloved sons, Darrell and Gregory Sanders. One brother William James Jefferson and sister Troy Faye Francis. Arlene began her career at the Timex watch factory in Abilene right after high school. When she and Jessie moved to Fort Worth, she embarked on a long and successful career in telecommunications with Southwestern Bell, where she retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Even in retirement, Lena remained active and chose to work at Walmart, where she eventually retired for a second time. In her spare time, Lena loved spending time with her family, tending to her yard, watching sports, and listening to gospel music. She was an avid walker and well-known in her community, where she formed many friendships with her neighbors. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Victor Ray Sanders of Fort Worth; her sisters, Frankie Ware of Abilene, Sharon "Ann" Flannagan of Maryland, and Cynthia Green of Abilene; one brother, Harold Jefferson; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two aunts; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visitation and viewing with the family will be held at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange St., Abilene, TX 79601, on August 23, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM at North's Funeral Home, with Pastor Deori Newman of New Light Baptist Church officiating. The burial will take place at Abilene Municipal Cemetery, 1133 Cottonwood, Abilene, TX 79601, immediately following the service.