August 6, 2011

Mr. John C. Saunders Sr., 85, of 2441 Skeetertown Road, Suffolk, Va., departed this life on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, at Sentara Obici Memorial Hospital, Suffolk, Va.

He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of the late John Howard and Goldie Saunders. He was predeceased by his wife, Fletcher Skeeter Saunders, and brothers, Hanford Sam Saunders and Robert Saunders.

Mr. Saunders was a devoted member of Mt. Ararat Christian Church, where he served as a deacon, a member of the Men’s Fellowship Ministry, usher ministry and chairperson of the Outreach Ministry. He was also an active member and past president in the Mt. Ararat Missionary Lodge No. 1 until his health began to fail.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 165 (Prince Hall). He retired as a supervisor of the fuel department at Norfolk Naval Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., after 35 years of service.

He leaves to cherish his memories four devoted, loving and caring children, one daughter, Betty A. Watson, of Suffolk, Va.; three sons, John C. Saunders Jr., (Shelley), of Chesapeake, Va.; Percy R. Saunders, (Charleen) and Warner D. Saunders (Andrea), both of Suffolk, Va.; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Barbara Saunders Black (Robert), of Virginia Beach, Va.; two brothers, James P. Saunders (Ann) and Leon Saunders, both of Suffolk, Va.; a brother-in-law, eight sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at Mt. Ararat Christian Church, 1860 Airport Road, Suffolk, Va. Interment will be in Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery, Suffolk, Va. The family will receive friends at 2441 Skeetertown Road, Suffolk, Va.

Crocker Funeral Home, Inc., is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.