Illyana (Lisa) J. Beard Sanders, age 46, of Chatham, Virginia, transitioned from this life on February 18, 2026, at UVA Health University Medical Center.

She was born on July 3, 1979, to Pastor Mary Ann Jones and the late Joe Stanley Beard. Lisa was a proud graduate of Saint Paul’s College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

Lisa was a dedicated entrepreneur who served as a local notary, and who owned and operated Eccentrix Nail & Beauty, New Beginning’s Virtual and Remote Learning Academy , and an event venue. She had an amazing love for people, fashion, traveling, her family, and enjoying good food. Her warm spirit and vibrant personality touched everyone she met.

As a proud member of House of Harvest Worship Center and New True Vine Pentecostal Holiness Church, Lisa served faithfully and loved her church family dearly.

Lisa leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, LaKendell Sanders; her devoted sons, Kendell (My Strength) and Kylen (My Joy) Sanders, all of the residence; her mother, Pastor Mary Ann Jones (Charles); her sisters, Shanel Beard and Kiaisha (Darion) Williams; and her brother, Jahsiah Beard. She also leaves to cherish special family members: Shacarra (Jesse) who was more like a sister than a cousin, Jarrid “Mick” who was as close as a brother, Mikayla, Shaunda, Melissa (Ben), Regina, Rhonda, Brandy, MiAngel, Jayon, Markel (Dune buggy) Kaziah, and her favorite buddy, Manny; her loved God children, Tynia, Jaleah, and A’Ziyah; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. from Life Line Gospel Church, 440 Neighborhood Lane, Chatham, Virginia, Bishop James Chalmers, Pastor,  Pastor Mary Ann Jones, Eulogist and Bishop Theodore Jones, Jr., Pastor,Officiant, New True Vine Pentecostal Holiness Church Chatham Virginia.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.-7 p.m.  at New True Vine Pentecostal Holiness Church, 420 Neighborhood Lane, Chatham, Virginia.  Bishop Theodore Jones, Jr.,  Pastor. 

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed, allowing family and friends near and far to come together in prayer, reflection and remembrance. Please click here at time of service to join in the live stream.

The burial will be private.

The family is asked to assemble at the residence 687 North Main Street, Chatham, Virginia by 11:45 a.m.  the day of the service. 

The family will be receiving family and friends at the residence, 687 North Main Street, Chatham, Virginia and at her mother’s residence, Pastor Mary Ann Jones, 418 Oak Forest Circle, Danville, Virginia 24540.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main St. Danville, Va., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director., Elder Monica Martin, Funeral Directress (434)799-9262. 

Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”