Special proclamation was presented to family on November 4
A special — and unique — recognition of a special life was made at last Monday night’s Cleveland City Council meeting held on November 4.
On behalf of the city, Mayor Billy Nowell presented Mississippi District 29 Representative and Councilman Ward 2 Alderman, Robert Sanders and his wife, Tracey, a special proclamation honoring the couple’s late daughter, Brittney Nicole Sanders, who passed away suddenly at the age of 35 on September 5.
“The City recognizes and pays a heartfelt tribute to the family of Brittney Nicole Sanders and the memories that will forever be cherished and celebrated by all who had the pleasure of knowing her,” the proclamation, signed on October 7 by Mayor Nowell, read in part.
“The mayor had wanted to make this special gesture at our last Board meeting,” said Sanders, who was told that the city had wanted to recognize and honor Brittney. “But, Tracey and I were in Virginia visiting our other daughter, so the date was moved to November 4.”
While both he and his wife knew the presentation was coming, Sanders said the moment was special and touched them deeply.
“It showed an appreciation of me and my family and the fact that the community I served cares about and cared about Brittney,” said Sanders. “This has been a trying and devastating time for us. To have Mayor Nowell make this presentation to me and Tracey in front of my fellow Alderman, Police Chief Tribble and our city officials and employees present that evening — as well as several citizens and special guests of Tracey’s — was truly special. We’re very thankful.”
And even though the acknowledgment will forever be part of the official city record, Sanders said the loss he and his wife suffered is still very real and painful.
“The day Brittney passed, I was checking in to the Embassy Suites in Ridgeland, having just arrived for legislature business for the Mississippi State Extension Program,” recalled Sanders. “And she called me right when I was at the front desk. I told her, ‘Sweetheart, give me just a second to get up to my room and I’ll call you right back,’ and she said, ‘Okay, Daddy.’
I don’t think an hour had passed before Brittney’s friend, who she was visiting at the time, called to tell me Brittney had fallen and was not responsive,” continued Sanders. “I was in total shock. I had literally just been on the phone with her. She suffered a heart attack. It’s just something Tracey and I will never get over. We loved her deeply and she was a special young woman. And, Mayor Nowell and my friends and associates on the board touched us with this special gesture, showing that she was special to them, too.”
Sanders said he especially appreciated this part of the proclamation:
“WHEREAS, As we remember Brittney, we celebrate the joy she brought into our lives and the many ways she uplifted us all. Her spirit will live on in the countless memories she created and the love she shared so freely. We take comfort in knowing that she lived life fully, loved deeply and touched the lives of many.”