On September 11, 1988 a beautiful bouncing baby boy was born weighing 9lbs and 11ozs. His parents, Craig Roland and Janice Laurie Saunders finished creating their family with their first and only boy. His father had the privilege of naming him Jonathan Craig Saunders.
A Time to Live
Jonathan Craig Saunders completed all his education here in Broward County. He attended Mary McCloud Bethune Elementary where he was first introduced to the “Band Life”. He began playing in the drum section as a percussionist. He loved music and being in the band allowed him to share his talent with others. He performed in many school concerts and was able to share the experience with his cousins Caleb and Nicole. After Bethune, Jonathan attended Attucks Middle School, where he continued to perfect his musical talent. He was given the ability to perform in many concerts and parades during his time at Attucks. Jonathan followed in his sisters’ footsteps and attended Stranahan High School. Both Sakina and Shantella were members of the “Mighty Dragons Marching Band” so Jonathan joined to continue the legacy. He put down the drums and picked up a trombone. Many nights he worked to perfect his craft and shared his musical skill traveling to many venues in and out of the state.
After school, Jonathan had a desire to serve the community. He considered all the ways in which he could, and his path lead him to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. He worked diligently to meet all the necessary requirements to join the BSO family. After passing each exam and accomplishing each requirement, he became more excited each time. When he was finally asked to join the Broward Sheriff’s Office, he proudly accepted the position. He loved working with the organization and affectionately talked about all the people he made connections with. He worked with the Broward Sheriff’s Office for a total of 7 years. January 3, 2019, which fell on his mother’s birthday, was his 7th year anniversary. Jonathan’s final accomplishment was his business. He was the proud creator and owner of JS Wear. He had a desire to spread his love for Christ and attended to do so by creating Christian Clothing Wear. He created numerous designs and was in the process of printing samples. He was so excited, and his mother and sisters were so very proud of him.
Jonathan loved his family and people in general, but he also loved the Lord. He knew this was his temporary home, so he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very young age. Jonathan attended the Hollywood Church of God of Prophecy, where he served as a faithful member until the very end. He ran the church’s Multimedia Department alongside his sister, Shantella. Later, he trained his “nephew” Isaiah. The last text message received by Isaiah, from his “Uncle Jonathan”, was encouraging words reminding Isaiah of all he taught him and told him that he can handle anything. Jonathan started a Toy Drive and handed out toys within the church’s community. He loved knowing he was able to help make a child happy during the holiday season. Jonathan also served at youth camp and enjoyed working with the youth. He wanted all young people to know that God loved them, and he wanted them to reach out to others so they too can experience God’s love and blessings. He enjoyed speaking with the young men at the church and would encourage them to be Godly men every chance he got.
A Time to Die
On Monday, February 4, 2019, around 10:00pm, Jonathan transitioned from this Earthly home to his Heavenly home. He “fought a good fight”, he “finished” the “course”, and “kept the faith”.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents Miriam and Roland Saunders and Ruth and Calvin Missick.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted parents Craig and Janice Saunders, his sisters Sakina Saunders (Maurice), Shantella Jean Baptiste (Rickinson) “Gia Roberts”; one “brother” “L. David Roberts” two nieces Malia Black and Myel Jean Baptiste; two “nephews” Isaiah and Christian Roberts (Godson); his aunts Judy Ferguson (Nicholas) Devie Forbes (Derek), Christine Clarke (Ashley) Monique & Shanique Missick; his cousins Nathan, Caleb (Shamantha ), Nicole, Nicholas “Oval” Ferguson (Keisha), Jhamie, Nuresha, C.J., Zyir (Godson), Brian, Samara, Nora, Ashlia, Barbara Ferguson, Veronica Rolle (Rodrick), Ricardo Ferguson (Charmaine), Eunice Sands (Raymond Sr.), Nadine Cooper, Arnold Davis, and a host of relatives and friends that will treasure the precious moments they shared.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnsouth.com for the Saunders family.
