Mrs. Zoe Dutrow Sanders
Zoe Dutrow Sanders, 87, slipped away peacefully in her sleep on January 23, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina. She was born in Columbia on March 15, 1938, the daughter of Ray H. Dutrow and Margaret Stork Dutrow. She was graduated from Columbia High School and the University of South Carolina.
She worked all her life beginning in high school at Haltiwanger’s Department store in downtown Columbia where she developed her sense of style often designing her own clothes. In eleventh grade she was chosen Miss Columbia High. After graduating from USC, she began working at the State Department of Education. At that time, as a hobby she learned to shoot skeet and quickly became a state champion winning over both men and women on the skeet shooting circuit.
She married Alexander Mullings Sanders in 1964. Their daughter Zoe Caroline was born in 1967. From the 1960’s to 2002 she supported her husband’s career in politics campaigning and making speeches throughout the State. She was a lifelong Democrat. She took cancer patients to their treatments. She was awarded the Order of the Palmetto – something no one in her family had ever received. She was a great athlete and runner. She only had two regrets: not running a marathon and never learning how to swim.
She had a great love for all animals, founding the South Carolina Humane Society. She was president of both the Richland County SPCA and the South Carolina Humane Society. She worked tirelessly to prevent cruelty to all animals specially focusing on dog fighting, cock fighting, cruelty to Tennessee Walking Horses and general neglect of all animals. She was not afraid of having someone arrested. In the 1980s and early 90’s she managed the kitchens of two large churches in Columbia, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and Trenholm Road United Methodist Church. She, along with volunteers, fed thousands – both members of the churches and the homeless. She was a great cook. Her biscuits were a favorite. She not only fed the homeless, she made friends with them often having a friend or two for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and to live with Zoe and Alex for a while.
In 1992, she moved from Columbia to Charleston when her husband became president of the College of Charleston. She took on the new role as hostess to this historic college bringing both her sense of elegance and style to those that worked at the College to those who attended and taught at the college and to donors. Her work at the College culminated in the cookbook she wrote “Entertaining at the College of Charleston.” The book has raised over a half a million dollars in scholarships for those seeking to attend the College. Her portrait hangs in the new library at the College of Charleston in recognition of all her contributions to the school.
Her husband says every good idea he ever had was her idea or their idea together and every bad idea was his idea all by him himself. They met in four -year-old kindergarten and were married for 61 years.
Zoe loved her family and friends and was much loved in return. She loved her black poodle named Rabbit.
Zoe was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Del Dutrow and her brother-in-law Ronald E. Miller Sr. She is survived by her husband Alexander Mullings Sanders, her daughter Zoe Caroline Sanders and Zoe Caroline’s partner Robert Galloway, grandsons, William Norman Nettles, Jr., and Alexander Sanders Nettles, her sister-in-law Henrietta Sanders Miller and nephew Ronald E. Miller Jr.
A visitation will take place following services at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date.
My beautiful Zoe I truly miss you I miss that smile but but most of all I’m going to miss your hugs. I was an absolute pleasure to have been able to be one of your care givers To the family my prayers are with you ❤️
To the family of Zoe Sanders:
I met this fabulous lady many years ago when I was active politically and she was so impressive and friendly, as if we had known each other over the years.
Given her very welcoming personality, she had to have
been an asset to the Judge & President during his many years in public life and a dynamic lady in her own right.
I was quite taken by our initial meeting so many years ago, as I’m certain so nany others were as well.
May her departure from this earthly sojourn give her heavenly peace with our loving Savior!
Thinking of all who knew this wonderful lady.
The words of the nineteenth century preacher Charles Spurgeon are well fit to remember this great lady, “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”
It would be impossible to count the hearts that carry Zoe’s name.
I trust God and I know that God has welcomed Mrs. Zoe Dutrow Sanders into the eternal resting place promised from the beginning of time. Some day I will see you. God’s blessing on your family.
Our families go way back ! Zoe and my wife Liz loved and cared for animals! We are so sorry and send our prayers and condolences! Pray Alex is well !
I knew her sadly only through friends. She was a legend in this state. I know she will be greatly missed. Wishing Alex and Zoe Caroline and all who knew her peace at this time.
Oh how I will miss her. For years Zoe came to Cape Cod with Alex and brought her home grown butter beans and all sorts of delights with her. Even though she could not swim she gamely walked way out on the Brewster flats with us- showing no fear – although the rest of us showed fear for her as the waters came in. She and Alex were a wonderful couple. I will miss her mightily Elaine Kamarck January 26, 2026 1:40 PM
My heartfelt condolences to Alex and Zoe Caroline and family. Zoe was an absolute legend and I feel blessed to have accompanied her to Italy where she quickly became life of the party from travelers near and far, regaling us with stories and sharing her knowledge of the industrial kitchen and fashion. Her cookbook I cherish and she and Alex are amazing hosts. She is one in a million.
Alex and Zoe Caroline, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how difficult this time can be. I will never forget when my late wife passed away suddenly and young at 48. Zoe drove from Charleston that day to give me a hug. She is the best. Prayers up for your family.
I am so sorry to hear this news. She was a classy lady. She will be missed by many.
Alex and family, we were so sorry to hear this morning about Zoe’s passing. Reading her obituary and the comments of her many friends makes me know that she was a beautiful person. I’m sorry that I did not know her. I received this information this morning from my daughter, Anne Caroline Finn, who lives on Hilton Head. Our condolences and best wishes, Drayton.
Alex, we are were so sorry to learn this morning about Zoe. Reading her obituary and the comments made by her friends , make me sure she was a beautiful person. I wish I had known her. I learned of her passing through my daughter, Anne Caroline Finn, who lives in Hilton Head. Our condolences to you and your family and best wishes. Drayton.
A true inspiration of a life well lived. An enormous loss to our state. Please accept our sincerest condolences. The Masellas
Please accept my sincere condolences on Zoe’s passing. Zoe and Alex have been inspirational to many of us throughout the years. We need you more today than ever you are truly missed
Thinking of you, dear Zoe, and sending light and love.
Mrs. Sanders had a great impact on my life. I worked for Aramark while a student at The College, and, therefore, had many interactions with the Judge and her. I am also a member at Grace, where I had further contact with them. When I walked the graduation at The College, she stepped out and gave me a hug. When I told her 10 years later I was working toward my masters she said , “It’s about time.” She was just the consummate Southern Lady. I hope I am able to share as much kindness to others as she always did.
When Zoe arrived at the College of Charleston it literally came alive. The faculty and administrators loved her. She orchestrated, luncheons both large and small all over campus.
My deepest condolences to all of her family.
When so arrived at the College of Charleston it literally came alive. All the faculty and administrators loved her. She orchestrated, luncheons both large and small all over campus.
My deepest condolences to all of her family.
Sad in hearing this news. Prayers for all her family members.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Your family is in my prayers
A beautiful human being, inside and out.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Her kindness, generosity and commitment to service will be greatly missed. Peace of The Lord be with the family during this sad time.
I am heartbroken. What an incredible woman Zoe was — beautiful inside and out. Alex and Zoe, my sincere condolences, .
The world is a lot less bright tonight. She was a great lady and a wonderful South Carolinian who touched many many lives.
Judge Sanders and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers!
What a beautiful tribute. I did not have the pleasure of meeting her. Any lady that can handle a shotgun with authority deserves utmost respect. A life well lived! Her loss will be measurable!
She was an amazing woman and a remarkable light in our world. We are thankful she shared so much of herself with South Carolina.
May her very loving soul, with the mercy of God, rest in peace always. Amen 🙏
Prayers and Condolences 😇
Few people have done so much and touched so many.
What a wonderful individual Zoe was! Whoever knew her felt very lucky! I got to know her and Zoe Caroline when working for Alex when he was a Senator. They welcomed me like family and I always felt very close. I know she will be greatly missed and my heart and prayers go out to you. Love, Joyce Reid
What a lively spirit you were, Zoe. Such an energetic, straight-shooting, but ever classy lady. You were so generous and kind to us, dear lady. It was wonderful knowing you.
What an amazing mentor, daughter, wife and friend. Her accomplishments in her well lived life are truly remarkable. I know she was loved and admired by many. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know her during my friendship with Zoe Caroline. She will be incredibly missed. Sending lots of love to her family. My thoughts are with you all! Warmly, Lisa Rafael. xo
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family.
Rest in peace, dear Zoe. What a beautiful life!
A beautiful woman, a great friend and an inspiration to all who knew her. Zoe, you were a blessing and will be deeply missed.