Gaye Sanders Fisher

Gaye Sanders Fisher passed from this earth on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

She was born August 3, 1933, the daughter of Johnsie Thompson Sanders McGill and Roy Spurgeon Sanders of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Gaye was the wife and soul mate of Jesse C. Fisher, Jr. for sixty years.  They were the parents of two sons, Jesse Powell Fisher (Lori) of Fuquay-Varina and John Spurgeon Fisher of Whiteville.  She had three grandchildren, Jesse Powell Fisher, Jr.(Holly) of Murrels Inlet, SC, Cameron Bishop Fisher (James) of Newnan, GA, and George Sanders Fisher (Spencer) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, one step grand daughter, Katy Gardner (Austin) of Angier, NC, three great grandchildren, Palmer Fisher, Ellis Fisher, and Madison Lee James and step great grandchildren; Stetson Gardner and Eddie Gardner.

She was an organ and English graduate of the University of North Carolina with a deep love and respect for classical music.  She was a charter member of the Charlotte Oratorio Society and the Southeastern Oratorio Society of Whiteville, North Carolina.

Gaye was a founder of the Waccamaw Academy in Whiteville, North Carolina.  As president of the Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild of Myrtle Beach, Gaye, along with Harry and Jane Charles, were instrumental in saving Springmaid Villa, located in the Cabana section of North Ocean Boulevard, from demolition.  It was relocated eight miles south to its present location and is now the Burroughs and Chapin Art Museum.

She enjoyed three devoted careers in her life: one in music, one in architectural restoration, and a watercolor artist with her own gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, for over twenty years.

Gaye was the author and illustrator of two children's books.  She also wrote a book honoring her grandmother, who left her family, an example of life when lived by persistence and faith.

A graveside will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 am at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery, 1013 James B. White Hwy. N., Whiteville, NC with Rev. Phillip Bryant officiating.  The family receive friends following the service at the home of John Fisher, 305 E. Oliver Street, Whiteville, NC.

Memorials are being accepted by the French Protestant Huguenot Church for the organ restoration and maintenance fund.  The mailing address is P.O. Drawer 917, Charleston, SC 29402.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the Fisher family.

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