Alijah Nicole Sanders, affectionately known by family and friends as Muffy, was born on November 21, 1989 to Gwendolyn Frazier and Donnie Sanders. She was raised by her grandmother, Josephine Sanders.

Growing up, Muffy was known for her sense of humor, big bright eyes and infectious dimpled smile. When she wasn't attached to her grandmother, you could find her spending time with her sisters, cousins and friends. She was the sweetest person that everybody loved. Alijah received her formal education in East Saint Louis School District 189 and was a proud member of the East St. Louis Senior High School Class of 2008.

Alijah attended church with her grandmother and confessed her belief in Jesus Christ at a young age. She joined in fellowship with Winstanley Baptist Church (Fairview Height, Illinois), where Dr. Timothy Gibson serves as Pastor.

Alijah was a loving mother that took great pride in raising her two daughters, Angeleah and Aleese. She shared and celebrate their accomplishments every chance she got. Alijah always thanked God for her two blessings, working hard to ensure that her girls were well in every way. She was a humble person and always grateful for the support she received. Alijah loved her church family and the youth ministry where her daughters learn and grown in Christ under Associate Pastor Chris Smith.

Alijah had a giving heart and kind spirit. She was generous and never met a stranger. Her family and friends would say Muffy would give you the shirt off her back. It is no wonder she loved to help others, especially teens. She volunteered with Chariti Home Ministries supporting pregnant and parenting teens under the leadership of her mentor, Teresa Johnson. She also served in AmeriCorps and promoted community organizations such as Christian Activities Center.

Alijah was employed at Ackerman School in Special School District of Saint Louis County. Alijah departed this life on January 9, 2022. She is preceded in death by her mother, paternal and maternal grandparents.

Alijah leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters ~ Angeleah McGee and Aleese Sanders of Cahokia, IL; her father ~ Donnie Sanders (Jamisa Tidwell) of East St. Louis, IL; two sisters ~ Danesha Sanders and Donyae Sanders, of East Saint Louis, IL; one brother ~ Andre Tidwell of East St. Louis, IL; three nieces, four nephews; a special friend ~ Sterling McGee; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all of whom were near and dear to her.