Florence Ellen Anderson Saunders

Florence Ellen Anderson Saunders transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on January 3, 2016, with her children at her bedside in High Point, NC where she lived the last ten years. She was born the only child to the late William and Bertha Anderson on October 4, 1926 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. As a young child, her parents presented her for baptism by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Clarksburg.

She began her education at the Kelly Miller School (K–12) in Clarksburg. In 1940, Florence received the distinguished West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Award, presented by the Governor for academic achievement. Her family moved to Norfolk, VA during the war, where she completed her education at Booker T. Washington High School, second in the Class of 1944.

Although Florence left Clarksburg during the war, Clarksburg never left her heart. She would tell everyone who would listen about her hometown and the many attributes of Kelly Miller School, especially the quality education she received there. She enjoyed returning to Clarksburg for her class reunions in later years.

She met her husband in Norfolk and raised a family there until they moved to Washington DC in 1960. The family soon after settled in Prince Georges County, MD. Florence was employed by the Federal Government. She worked as a civilian for the US Navy Department, retiring in 1988 from Naval Regional Finance Center, Payroll Division, in Crystal City, VA.

She was married to the late William Earl Saunders. From this union six children were born, three sons and three daughters. The oldest son, William and a grandson, Michael, Jr. preceded her in death.

Florence leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters, Edith Saunders, Natika George, Tracy Mack (Steve); two sons, Michael Saunders (Francine) and Reginald Saunders (Renee); daughter-in-law, Minnie Saunders; twelve grandchildren, William A. Saunders, Stephanie Johnson, Teresa Saunders, Lynette Rice (Ricky), Bernard George, III (Kendall), Angel Hayes (Donald), Victoria Middleton (Kenny), Brittney Saunders, and Monique, Rick, Taylor and Sydney Mack; six great-grandchildren, Malik Sanders, Zachary Saunders, Keon, Khalon, and Katima Rice, and Xavier Middleton; sister-in-law, Doris Parrish; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Florence enjoyed reading, collecting books and magazine articles to save for grandchildren; traveling and visiting places near and far; researching her family genealogy; playing solitaire on the computer before going to bed, usually until after midnight; keeping in touch with Clarksburgers; and talking to anybody about anything, anytime.

She always looked forward to the late night calls from youngest daughter, Tracy to hear about the latest antics and achievements of her twin girls, among other topics of the day. Florence was always amazed and entertained by her youngest grandchildren, Sydney and Taylor the nine-year-old twins, who visited a few times each week. Both love reading books and do so well above their grade levels, which pleased her greatly. Like their grandmother, they already have a huge collection.

Florence loved and was devoted to raising her six children. She experienced much pride and joy in their growth and development into wonderful adults. She believed her children to be her greatest legacy. They in turn loved her as the greatest mother and blessing. Her inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will rejoin her husband.