Cindi Sanderson (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – A native Madisonian, Cindi Sanderson remembers “a time when you knew almost everyone in Madison. That has certainly changed.”

“From U.S. 72 to Mill Road was mostly farm land. No traffic lights, only a four-way stop at Corner Grocery, where CVS is now,” Sanderson said.

“Although Madison isn’t the small farming community, it’s still a great place to live and raise a family. Madison is very diverse, but there’s still some Southern, small-town charm,” she said.

She and husband James graduated in 1974 in Bob Jones High School’s first graduating class. The school was under construction so they attended classes at present-day Madison Elementary School. Graduation was held in the new building with Rep. Bob Jones attending.

Patriots played home football games at the former YMCA field (at today’s Victoria Drive). Teenagers ‘hung out’ at Corner Grocery, The Patio and Hughes Park.

Cindi and James were married at Madison United Methodist Church in 1977. They still attend church there.

Retired from General Motors, James works at Nektar Therapeutics. Daughter Mollie and husband Landon Carter live in Limestone County. Son Adam and wife Julie live in Madison with sons four-year-old Luke and two-week-old Logan.

Cindi has worked as bookkeeper at Madison elementary for 22 years. “The schools are great! One of my grandsons is in pre-kindergarten at Mill Creek. I cannot say enough good things about how wonderful that program is.”

Cindi enjoys serving as vice-chairperson of the Municipal Cemetery Committee. She has volunteered on numerous boards, including Madison UMC’s trustees; local to state PTA; Madison Education Committee; and Madison DON’T.

Historic downtown is Sanderson’s favorite locale for its restaurants and shops. Her business, CWS Interiors located at Jacklyn’s Keepsakes, 108 Main St., offers gifts, home decor, candles, vintage painted furniture, antiques, seasonal items, Madison map necklaces and collectibles, like knives and vintage toys.

Cindi holds a interior design certification from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She enjoys gardening and decorating but her best times are spent with Luke and Logan.