She was a mother figure to Alabama basketball players for two generations. Annette Sanderson, wife of former Bama head basketball coach Wimp Sanderson, has died at age 86. They were married for 67 years.

She started when Wimp was a student, then a graduate assistant, then Alabama assistant coach for 20 years and then as the head coach for 12 years. She was a noted contributor to one of the most colorful eras of Alabama sports, picking out the plaid sport coats made famous by her husband.

Annette Sanderson of the "Plaid Period. She was also credited with the idea for the famous parquet floor of Coleman Coliseum.

The university’s athletic department made this release on Thursday:

She was always an Alabama girl. Born Nov. 19, 1938, in Florence, she attended Coffee High School. She and Wimp Sanderson met there, marrying in October after her senior year of high school.

Assistant Coach Wimp had a tough act to follow when he became head coach in C.M. Newton. As head coach, Wimp had a record of 267-119. Annette was always a vocal presence at Alabama games. You could hear her before you could see her.

Arrangements will be announced.

Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths.  He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].

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