Mrs. Ranetta Gardner Zanders, affectionately known as "Bird", of 901 GA Hwy 49 South, Americus, Georgia, died Tuesday, April 29, 2026, at Emory Midtown Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Eastview Cemetery Pavilion in Americus, Georgia.

Ranetta Gardner Zanders, affectionately known as "Bird," was born on March 12, 1973, in Americus, Georgia, to Richard Lee Hall and Christine Searcy Gardner. Raised in the warmth of a close-knit family, Ranetta received her education in the public schools of Sumter County and proudly graduated from Sumter County Comprehensive High School in 1991.

As a child, Ranetta was a dedicated member of Greater Cedar Spring   Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Upon her union to Dexter, she moved her membership to Perry Grove Baptist Church in Leslie, Georgia; then her faith journey led her to Anointed Hearts Outreach Ministry in Americus, Georgia, where she continued her spiritual growth and community involvement.

At the age of 16, Ranetta met her high school sweetheart, Dexter, and their enduring love story blossomed into a marriage that lasted 26 years. Known for her tremendous love for her family, Ranetta was a devoted wife and mother. Together, she and Dexter raised two daughters, Rakia and Jalexia.

Ranetta was deeply passionate about working with children and caring for the elderly. This passion translated into a fulfilling career with the Sumter County Schools, where she dedicated 16 years of service. Her contributions made a lasting impact on the lives of many within her  community.

Ranetta transitioned from life to life eternal on April 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and service that will be remembered and cherished by all.  Her father and grandparents, Allen (Katie) Hall, Mary Chambliss, and EC Searcy, preceded her in death.

Ranetta's life was enriched by the love and support of her family. Her life touched many, and her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration for all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Dexter D. Zanders of Americus, Georgia; her daughters, Rakia Zanders and Jalexia Zanders of Americus, Georgia; her mother, Christine Searcy Gardner of Americus, Georgia; her sister, Yolynda (Willie) Sanford of Americus, Georgia; her brother, Timmie (Katrina) Searcy, Sr. of Lexington, South Carolina; her aunts and uncles, Martha Jean Caldwell, Mary Hazel Hunt, Natasha Searcy, Anthony Donell Searcy, Ethel Manuel of Americus, Georgia, Betty (AL) Harris of Savannah, Georgia, Shirley (AJ) Brantley of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Bernice Williams of Amherst, New York, and John (Darlene) Hall of  Americus, Georgia; her mother-in-law, Betty Jean Zanders of Plains, Georgia; her sisters-in-law, Pamela (Derrick) Smith of Smithville, Georgia and Trynesa (Kelvin) Jackson of Desoto, Georgia; her brother-in-law, John (Angela) Zanders, Jr. of Americus, Georgia; 20 nieces and nephews; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends, her adopted son, Antonio Worth of Albany, Georgia; her best friend, Delania Harden of Albany, Georgia; and a host of friends, to include, Nell Rhymes Harris of Americus, Georgia, Patricia Burnam of Cordele, Georgia, and Stacie Moore of Americus, Georgia.