Nina Muriel Sanders Jeffers, 91, of Gallipolis, Ohio, peacefully slipped from her earthly home into Heaven on April 2, 2026. She married the love of her life, Jack Jeffers, on February 9, 1958, and together they built 54 years of marriage and a beautiful life with their two children, Aaron Thomas and Ellen Caroline.

Born on June 19, 1934, in Gallia County, Nina was the daughter of the late Brady R. and Mildred Ellen Sanders. As the middle child, she adored her brothers, Ray R. Sanders and Kenneth R. Sanders. While Ray worked in the fields with their parents, Nina lovingly cared for Kenneth—a bond that remained strong throughout their adult lives. She also treasured her relationships with her sisters in law Martha Sanders and Donna (Sanders) Roberson.

Nina attended Providence Grade School and later Gallia Academy High School, where she excelled academically. She worked at G.C. Murphy, diligently saving enough to purchase her first car while in high school—a 1955 Dodge Wayfarer—before turning 18, placing the title in her mother’s name because she was still underage. Independent and adventurous, she left her childhood home on Friendly Ridge immediately after graduation and moved with a friend to the “big city” of Columbus, Ohio. There she held several jobs before advancing to Senior Assistant at Cussins and Fearn.

She eventually returned to Gallipolis and became a secretary for Howard Baker Saunders Insurance. During her years there, she not only proved herself a devoted and capable employee but became a cherished friend of the Saunders family. Nina also represented the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, traveling to BPW National Conferences alongside a lifelong friend. She was a proud and long-time member of the Gallipolis Eastern Star Chapter, serving in many roles and earning her 60 year pin in recognition of her deep commitment.

Upon returning home from Columbus, Nina noticed a handsome young sailor in dress blues at Johnson’s Grocery. She often remarked how striking he looked that day. It wasn’t until later that she would date and eventually marry him—Jack Jeffers. Although both were from Gallipolis, their paths had never crossed until adulthood. Their marriage took them across the country for many of Jack’s jobs, including a memorable trip to California in the 1950s that Nina often recalled as among her favorite adventures. Eventually, they welcomed their children and settled into their forever home in Gallipolis.

Retirement brought Nina and Jack nearly 29 years of joy in their beloved role as grandparents. Nina was lovingly known as “MawMaw,” a name she requested and one that continues to be used by friends and family. She welcomed four grandsons and three granddaughters into her life with open arms, once saying, “It was the role I never knew would bring me so much happiness.”

Throughout her almost 92 years, Nina built countless friendships and treasured every relationship she formed. She loved her weekly hair appointments that turned into decades long chats with dear friends, doted on her nieces and nephews, and delighted in the iconic “Goldie’s Garage Sales” she hosted with her sisters in law and mother. She cherished the friendships formed with other wives during travels with their husbands and enjoyed simple pleasures like sneaking away to the movies with her cousin as adults. She was known for her perfect red hair and always on point lipstick. Nina was the most loving mother, and she always shared that love with her children’s friends over the years. Everywhere she went, Nina offered warmth, humor, loyalty, and a lifetime of friendship.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Brady R. and Mildred Ellen Sanders; her husband, Jack Jeffers, her brothers Ray Sanders and Kenneth Sanders; brothers in law John, Paul (Jake), and Joe Jeffers; sisters-in-law Lenice (Calvin) Waugh, Ruth “Toot” Jeffers, and Delores Jeffers; niece Kim Wigglesworth and nephews, Rusty Jeffers, Ray (Richard) Sanders II, and Michael Sanders.

Left to honor her memory are her children, Aaron (Jennifer) Jeffers and Ellen (Rodney) VanNest, both of Gallipolis; grandchildren Hayden (Gretchen) Flinner of Marietta, OH, Kendra VanNest of Albany, OH, Seth Flinner of Portsmouth, VA, Zak Flinner of Gallipolis, OH, Haven VanNest (Braidin Tuttle) of Albany, OH, Cooper (Sawyer Holzapfel) Flinner of Gallipolis, OH, and Ava VanNest of Gallipolis, OH; Sister-in-law Donna Roberson; as well as several nieces and nephews, including Keith Jeffers, Linda Jeffers Lester, Kala Sue Bush, Abra Bush, Larae Schraeder, Joe Jeffers, Jeff Jeffers, Taylor Wigglesworth, Abby Zeppetella, Jill Roush and Heather Roush. Many special cousins including Crystal Sheets and Leesa Clark. There are truly so many friends and family

The love Nina shared with her family—and the love they hold for her—are beyond measure. Her wit, humor, warmth, and graceful spirit will be treasured by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM. Monday April 6, 2026 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Pastor Bob Hood officiating. Burial will follow in the Providence Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11:00 AM. till the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Providence Missionary Baptist Church c/o Kim Dennison, 359 Mercerville Road, Crown City, OH 45623

An online guest registry is available at www.waugh-halley-wood.com