Delores Saunders

Delores Saunders (Missionary) was born to the late James Percy Saunders and Lula Mae Saunders. She was born on July 11, 1947 and raised in Baltimore, MD. She departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on January 9, 2021. Delores graduated from Edmondson Westside High School in 1965. Not long after graduating, she became employed as a Dietician at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in the Dietary Department for over 8 years. Continuing her employment, she secured the position of General Manager for Murray’s Steak House in Maryland. After over 16 years of service, Delores decided to retire and become self-employed as a licensed Day Care Provider. In her heart, she knew that this was her calling. Always such a nurturing mother and with a calming soul, she knew she had to do this for herself and her family. Delores devoted her time to taking care of family member’s kids and others until her illness prevented her from doing so. Delores met the love of her life James Robert Gilyard Sr, in the late 1960’s, and they birthed their first child April S. Saunders in 1968. In 1981, to their surprise, Delores and James were blessed with what the doctors thought were going to be twins; however, during delivery they were blessed with triplets: Damien, Dorein, and Deionna Saunders. Delores was raised in the church as a Christian. She came to know Jesus Christ as her Lord & Personal Savior at an early age. She joined the New Galilee Church of God in Christ Jesus, under the leadership of Bishop Milledge Golphin. Later, she became a faithful member of the Beth-El Temple Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Apostle Robert Evans, Jr.; and now under the leadership of Bishop Richard J. Pender, Sr. A strong alto, she enjoyed singing and became a member of the Sanctuary Choir. Her voice would resonate above all the altos, so much so she was given many lead songs by her favorite Director, Deacon Gary M. Thomas Jr. A member of the Soup Kitchen, her passion for helping others extended to the less fortunate and she would put on her apron and serve a hot meal, a kind word or clothing to individuals in need of assistance. She was a caring, giving and creative individual who devoted her life to Christ and her Church family. As a recognition of her servitude, her Pastor, Bishop Pender, appointed her to the Missionary Board where she dutifully served until she was incapable of performing her duties. Delores, affectionately known as “Lorsey” and “Auntie, loved to entertain and cook for her family and friends. Everyone wanted to be at “Auntie’s” house. Delores was so stylish and loved fashion; adorned with a stunning hat, she was just a beautiful human being. Delores was preceded in death by her: loving father James Percy Saunders; brother, Darryl Saunders; son, Damien Robert Saunders; and two nephews, Gregory and Ken Saunders. She leaves to celebrate her life: mother, Lula Mae Saunders; two daughters, April Nicholson (Horace) & Deionna Saunders; one son, Dorein Saunders; two sisters, Deborah Brown and Darlene Bell; brother, Gregory Saunders (Isabelle); three grandchildren, Eddie, Nathaya, and Te’Jionn; two great-grandchildren, Devonte & Decaprio, five nieces Tammy (Daryll Cook), Towanda, Cheri, Chastity (Anthony Pitts), and Morgan and a host of cousins and extended family and friends. Delores leaves special people in her life with whom she had a wonderful friendship: Clara Jones and Brenda Russell; and two dear friends Mary Dennison and Deborah Ackwood.

Tributes

Delores Saunders

July 11, 1947 - January 9, 2021