Lena Mae Saunders

Lena was the daughter of Augustus (Gus) and Margaret (Maggie) Williams. Born a twin, in Dunn, N.C., she was one of eight children. As a young adult, Lena was well-known in Harlem, N.Y. for her time spent as a showgirl and dancer at the famed Apollo Theater, during its heyday of the 1940s. New York is also where she met the man who would become her husband. On December 20, 1950, Lena married Conrad Saunders and together they had five children. She also lovingly raised one bonus son. After moving her family to Virginia, she worked as a CNA.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad, and three children, Charmin, ConRaad and LeNai. She is survived by one sister-in-law, Emma (Weldon), two daughters, Crystal and LeYuani, and her bonus son, Tariq (LeAnne), seventeen grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, seventeen great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation for Lena will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woody Funeral Home - Parham, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A private burial will follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Saunders family.