Martha Laverne Saunders

Martha Laverne Saunders passed away on July 14, 2018 at Novant Hospital in Huntersville, N.C.  She was born March 27, 1933, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, the daughter of Van and Florine Stewart.  Mrs. Saunders graduated from Southside High School in Memphis in 1952 and married Robert Saunders in 1953.  She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Cum Laude degree from Shaw University in 1976.  Prior to moving to Huntersville she was a resident of New Albany and a member of First Baptist Church, New Albany.  She retired in 2000 after over 20 years as a social worker for the State of Mississippi.  In 1997 Mrs. Saunders was honored as the social worker of the year by the Department of Human Services for outstanding service to Mississippi children and families.     She had a particular devotion to the foster child program, often referring to the children as “her kids”. In lieu of flowers the family invites you to make a memoriam to S.A.F.E., Inc., PO Box 985 Tupelo, MS 38802 (safeshelter.net).  S.A.F.E. provides support for the programs that were important to Mom.   Survivors include sisters Lynda Coleman of New Albany and Evelyn Haiflich of Auburndale, FL; daughter Martha (Wes) Landrum of Huntersville; two sons, Rob (Lisa) Saunders of Washburn, TN and Paul (Joyce) Saunders of Wayne, NE; granddaughter Joy (Wade) Carmichael of Norfolk, NE; grandsons Andy (Kerrie) Saunders of London, England, Thomas Landrum of Huntersville and Jared (Meghan) Barkley of Oxford; great grandsons Griffin Saunders and Spencer Carmichael of Norfolk, NE.   Mrs. Saunders was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Lynda (Barry) Barkley of Blue Mountain.   Visitation will be on Thursday, July 19, from 6 to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 20 at 11 AM at Glenfield Funeral Home, New Albany.  A private burial will precede the funeral.