Celestine Sanders

Celestine Grant Sanders was born on April 8, 1948, in Inkster, Michigan, to the late Mishie Chandler Grant and Spencer Grant, Sr. She was raised in Inkster, and was the fourth of five children born to this union. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sister, Francine Grant McRipley. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Spencer Jr., Levertis and Marlon Grant. Celestine shared many years of her life with her former husband, Michael Sanders, Sr., and together they were blessed with two beloved children, Mishelle Sanders (whose name was created by combining her parents’ mother’s names, “Mishie” and “Belle”) and Michael Sanders, Jr. She was also the proud and loving grandmother of Navaya and Makala Thomas, who brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and love to her life. Her greatest joy was her family, and she was a devoted mother and grandmother who treasured every moment spent with her loved ones. Celestine was a faithful member of Amity Baptist Church in Inkster, Michigan, where she worshipped devotedly, served with a willing heart, and cultivated lifelong friendships grounded in faith. Her love for God was evident in the way she lived her life, extending kindness, compassion, and encouragement to all who knew her. Her unwavering faith provided strength throughout her life's journey and remained a guiding light to her family and friends. Celestine also became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Lambda Omega Chapter, in 1994, where she enjoyed the bonds of sisterhood, service, and lifelong fellowship. Celestine was deeply committed to education and lifelong learning. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Education and a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Celestine later earned an Education Specialist degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where she was also a doctoral candidate. Celestine devoted nearly four decades to education, building a distinguished career as an educator, administrator, mentor, and transformational leader. She began her career in the public school system, where over 28 years she served as a teacher, learning and reading consultant, assistant principal, and elementary and junior high principal. She later spent 12 years in charter school education, where her leadership extended across curriculum, assessment, Title I and at-risk programs, special education, technology, grants, and school administration. Among Celestine’s proudest accomplishments was helping schools and communities overcome difficult circumstances. She believed that meaningful educational change required collaboration. She saw herself as a conflict-resolution mediator, community liaison, and professional development facilitator. Celestine was often called upon to lead schools facing significant challenges. At Thomas-Gist Academy in Inkster, Michigan, she was asked to assume leadership of a middle school that was struggling academically and facing possible closure. She built a team of dedicated educators, strengthened curriculum and professional development, and forged partnerships with parents and community supporters. Under her leadership, the school achieved Adequate Yearly Progress distinction for seven of eight years and was recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige as an example of how No Child Left Behind could work in an economically disadvantaged school. She later brought that same determination and leadership to George Washington Carver Academy in Highland Park, Michigan, where she was asked to help stabilize a school facing serious academic, staffing, and administrative challenges. Working with educators, parents, and the Michigan Department of Education, Celestine helped restore the school's Schoolwide Title I status, strengthened its staff and programs, and improved academic performance. The school achieved Adequate Yearly Progress distinction in two of the three years under her leadership. Celestine’s commitment to leadership extended beyond her professional positions. She served as President of MacArthur K–8 University Academy PTA from 2016–2018 and again from 2018–2020, and held leadership positions with the Southfield Area Council PTA. As PTA president, she secured grants from Chrysler, Michigan PTA, and National PTA, bringing additional resources to support students and families. Celestine was honored with the Golden Apple Award for her dedication to education and her ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and inspire their students through their commitment and engagement. She also became an author, publishing her first book, Battle Tested, in January 2013. Whether leading a school through academic challenges, mentoring educators, advocating for children and families, or bringing parents and community members to the table, Celestine approached leadership with determination, collaboration, and a belief in the potential of every child. Even after leaving formal educational leadership, Celestine continued to serve. She remained actively involved in her grandchildren's education as a classroom volunteer, PTA president, and District PTA officer. She also served on the Community Development Head Start Policy Council in Wayne County and continued to advocate for children and families. Celestine will surely be missed by her beloved sister, Francine McRipley (Dr. Clarence Jr.); her children, Mishelle Sanders and Michael Sanders, Jr.; her grandchildren, Navaya and Makala Thomas; her sister-in-law Emille Grant (Levertis-deceased); her nieces Monique McRipley Burrell (Dean), Lisa McRipley, Sharita Grant, Angela Grant-deceased, Candice Grant Ekpin, Latese Grant-deceased; her nephew Jason McRipley (Chioma); grandnieces Angelyn and Grace Ekpin, Elyse McRipley; grandnephews Carrington Grant, Ethan Ekpin, Ellis McRipley; and a host of other relatives, extended family members, friends, former colleagues, students, and community members whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable life. Please click on below link or copy and paste in your browser. Shared photo memories of Celestine https://photos.app.goo.gl/CtY2nD4ausXVUCZ49

Celestine Sanders

April 8, 1948 - August 10, 2026