Saundra Shaw Smith

Saundra Louise Shaw Smith, known as ‘Penney’ to family, transitioned from labor to reward on January 10, 2025. She was born September 11, 1948 to the late Daisy Belle Shaw and Richard Pulliam. Saundra was christened in the A.M.E. church, but was baptized when she joined Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in 1991. Saundra attended Richmond Public schools. She graduated from Armstrong High School in 1966. On August 1, 1963, she met the love of her life, Robert L. Smith, Jr. Soon after graduating high school, Robert and Saundra were joined in holy matrimony. This union was blessed with the birth of one daughter, Deonna Michelle. Saundra retired from Verizon in 2009. She loved to travel and would often cruise with close family and friends. She loved good cooking and would cook amazing dishes, like her sweet potato pie. No matter what anyone said, she would never think her cooking was good enough. She was her worst critic, to the astonishment of others. Saundra loved Saint Paul’s Baptist Church. She served on the Newcomer’s Ministry for many years. She also was a champion for the Refiners Ministry and enjoyed planning activities for the seniors. On Sunday mornings, you could find her, Mrs.Willa Taylor, Mrs. Catherine Jefferson and other Refiners checking on each other. It was said they had graduated from being the ‘Golden Girls’ to the ‘Platinum Girls.’ Saundra loved her family. She was concerned of all the details of her husband,children and grandchildren. She had so much love that she practically adopted most of their close acquaintances and many church members as a part of the family as well. From detailed weather warnings and forecasts to scrumptious meals at the drop of a hat, Saundra wanted everyone safe, fed and taken care of. Saundra could take care of business as well, the very definition of a virtuous woman. Saundra was preceded in death by Robert in 2022, after over 55 years. Saundra is survived by her daughter, Deacon Deonna Michelle Smith Peyton (Reverend Darrell); twin grandchildren, Technical Sergeant Christopher Micah Peyton and Christina Michelle Peyton; sister, Debra Harris; brother-in-law Gregory E. Smith (Linda, deceased); sister-in-law, Donna Smith Davis; nieces LaShan Oliver Robinson, Robyn Smith, and LaChae Broaddus (Wayne); nephews Raymond E. Davis, III, and Kayim Smith; “sister,” Joan D. Hopkins (Robert, Sr.); “daughters,” Tammy D. Hopkins (Robert, Jr.), Rev. Dr. Kimberly Crump-Robinson (Daniel) and a host of other “sons and daughters,” nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends too numerous to name.

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Saundra Shaw Smith

September 11, 1948 - January 10, 2025