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Obituary For Mary Saunders
Mary Dean Leake Saunders peacefully departed her earthly body on Monday, May 22, 2023 after a short illness. Dean as she preferred to be called, was born on April 6, 1937 to her parents Rebecca Leake and Grandy Pemberton in Richmond County, NC. Transitioning from flesh to spirit on May 22, 2023, she was welcomed by her husband, Melvin; her parents Rebecca and Grandy; brother, Percy; stepchildren, Michelle and Ronnie; aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends and family Marion Jean Spencer and April Patterson.
She attended Montgomery County Public Schools and graduated from Peabody High School in 1955. Immediately after graduating, she moved to High Point, NC to live with her late Aunt Minnie Arnold with whom she resided for 10 years. In 1965, she met and married the late Mr. Melvin Saunders and from this union she welcomed her daughter, Audrea Saunders Austin.
She began her working career at Flyback in 1955 and worked at several textile and service jobs including Adams Millis (retired), K-mart, Slane Hosiery Mill, and First Student as a bus monitor. On each job, she met and maintained friendships, as she loved people, entertaining, and cooking. Never one to meet a stranger, she made sure that all who entered her home felt welcomed and loved. She loved her family and made sure to visit them as much as possible before her health failed. She also loved traveling and was able to fulfill her dream of seeing the Christmas Lights in NYC in 2018.
She joined Gethsemane Baptist Church where she served on the Usher Board for over 30 years. Not one to quote scripture she lived her life in such a way that the fruit she bore showed that she was a follower of Christ. She was a faithful member for 49 years of dedicated service to White Rose 157 Order of Eastern Star.
Remaining to honor her life and continue her legacy of love are her daughter, Audrea (Mike), grandchildren, Candace (Billy), LaKeisha, Marquise, and Marquette; great-grandchildren, Camryn and Amiyah; sisters-in-law, Sarah, Lucy Faye, and Evonne; niece and nephew ,Benita (Darris), Eric (Jean); special check-in friends and family, Irvin Saunders, Harry Robinson, Evelyn Smitherman, Margaret McCluney, Clarence Horne, and Michael Williamson; and a host of cousins, friends, neighbors, and church members.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church. Entombment will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
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Blessings Bouquet was sent for Mary Saunders - May 26, 2023
I remember how Dean, Dot, and my Mom, Shirlean Dockery (aka Pig), were cousins that didn't have sisters but were like sisters in spirit, something akin to the Three Musketeers. They were always together always helping each other out, I know they're together now in Heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen!
~ From Lynnette Dockery (Sister) & Matthew Dockery-Dixon
Sending Condolences to the Saunders family .My Grandma Ms.Viloa Thompson and Mr Melvin were cousins.He was my mailman when I lived on Willow pl.When I met Ms Mary she made me feel like she knew me for year's.What a wonderful lady that will be missed ..RIP Ms.Mary, Mr.Melvin will welcome you home in heaven .,Ms .Cynthia A Walden
Joyce H boyd
Andrea I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom she we were neighbors for years she loved to walk to my yard sales last time she came she brought some wigs for her granddaughter who loved to play dress up I'm really going to miss her
Andrea I am so sorry About the loss of your mom we were neighbors for years she would walk to my yard sales have fun when she came the last time she came twice and she got her granddaughter wigs she said she like to play dress up that was so funny to us i will truly miss dean love you
Loretta Barber
So Sorry for the loss of Miss Dean. Our condolences to the Saunders, Leake and Pemberton Families as you grieve for the life of a lovely lady. May God's love comfort you all. Love, Beverly A. Harris (Mayor), Mt. Gilead, NC
My the Lords Comfort and Peace be with the entire Family Bishop Leake and Missionary Supervisor Mrs. Jean McMurray- Leake during this time. From Bernice Harris
Sorry to hear of the home going of Mary Dean, my prayers or with you all, be bless.
IN TIMES OF SORROW THERE ARE FEW WORDS THAT CAN BRING COMFORT, BUT MAY IT HELP SOMEHOW TO KNOW THAT CARING THOUGHTS FROM FRIENDS AND ENLAWS ARE WITH YOU. BE BLESS FAMILY,LOVE TO ALL. ANITA AND ARTHUR McRae.
I am at a loss for words hearing of the sudden passing of Mary Dean Saunders. When I saw her last, she was upbeat, positive and she just smiled and said "I am living for the prayers I receive from others." She was an amazing lady and a true friend to my Mother, Marion Jean Spencer. My deepest condolences to Audrea, Candace, Great Grand girls and other family members during this difficult time. R.I.P. Beautiful Lady you will surely be missed. Janice Spencer Davis and Family, Phoenix, AZ
IN TIMES OF SORROW THERE ARE FEW WORDS THAT CAN BRING COMFORT, BUT MAY IT HELP SOMEHOW TO KNOW THAT CARING THOUGHTS FROM THE HEART OF ANITA AND ARTHUR ARE WITH YOU. BE BLESS FAMILY. ARTHUR AND ANITA McRae.
So Sorry to the Saunders Family my sister as she called me will always stay on my mind I'm missing her Forever
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