Community leader Betty Ann Sanders’ life and legacy honored

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Family and friends mourned the loss and celebrated the life of community leader Betty Ann Sanders Saturday at a memorial held in UNCW’s nursing building.

Sanders, who died over a week ago in Wilmington, was a veteran broadcaster and familiar face on UNCW-TV shows “Let’s Talk” and “Let’s Read” as well as a long-time university supporter and volunteer.

Sanders and her daughter Jennifer Riker founded and owned Adult Day Services, a health center that helps those with autism, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

“She’s a person that literally would give the shirt off her back,” daughter Jennifer Riker said. “She did everything from the heart. She believed in giving people second chances when they needed it. She had just a tremendous impact on the whole community.”

Riker says Sanders was the most incredible mother and friend who had such a passion for so many. Riker and her husband will continue to run Adult Day Services as a legacy to Sanders.