John Winston "Winst" Sanders of Rockford departed this earthly life July 25, 2024. He was born May 3, 1944 in Rosston, Arkansas the son of Leotis and Roberta Sanders. John lived in Rockford since 1961 coming from Arkansas. He married the former Thelma Woods. John was employed as a machine operator over 20 years by Gates Corporation before retiring in 2009.  He was a Veteran of the US Army serving in Germany during the Vietnam War. John was a member of Harrison Chapel Baptist Church in Arkansas and attended Faith Temple Church while in Rockford. He attended Oak Grove High School in Arkansas finishing his High School education while in the Army.

John leaves to cherish many loving memories, his wife Thelma; daughter, Comalethia (Brian) Williams; son, Condric A. Sanders; four grandchildren, Shakier (Jasmyne) Hinton, Briana, Ashley and Nyla Williams; two great grand daughters, Olivia and Omari Hinton; three brothers, Berlin Sanders Sr., Lavertis (Carolyn) Stewart and Bryan Troupe; two sisters, Ola (William) Bernel and Tina Harvey; two god sons, Kevin Green and Desmond Bates; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; one brother, James Sanders and two sisters, Mary Ellis and Tammy Troupe.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Bethel Baptist Church 724 Harrison Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.