Jana Suzanne Sanderson McEachern has passed away at the age of 43 at her home in Gadsden, Alabama. Jana was born on January 31 ^st , 1979 and spent her childhood in Glencoe, Alabama. Upon graduation from Glencoe High School, she attended Samford University on a full scholarship. In 2000, she was crowned Miss Alabama and selected as a finalist in the Miss America pageant. After graduating from Samford with a degree in Communications, Jana went on to excel in her field as a photographer and marketing specialist with the Gadsden Chamber of Commerce, Joe McEachern Photography, J&D Farms, and most recently with the School of Aviation at Auburn University. When Jana wasn't working her marketing magic professionally, she enjoyed fine art, decadent food, good architecture, and traveling to places that most people only see on Instagram. Her work with the USO allowed her to combine her love of travel with her love of music and singing. That Jana loved praise and worship music is very fitting because anyone who has heard her sing knows that she had the voice of an angel. She enjoyed being a member of the Church of the Highlands and had most recently found a home at their Opelika campus.

Jana was predeceased by her father,  Brian Alan Sanderson and stepfather Rodney Longshore

She is survived by her mother Judy Sitz Smith (Ronnie), Grandparents Tommy Lee and Eloise Sanderson; Ross and Pauline Sitz, siblings Jill Sanderson (Amber), John Longshore, Margie Longshore, Marcus Longshore; Dr. Andrew Smith (Donna), Ashley Robinson (Bryan), former husband Danny McEachern, and her westie Winston.

Services will be held at College Heights Baptist Church located at 411 Rabbittown Rd., Glencoe AL 35905 . Visitation will take place from 12pm-2pm with a memorial service to follow at 2pm.