Mary Saunders

Mary Saunders was a resident of the Kalamazoo, MI area for over 20 years. Mary died in Borgess Hospital January, 23, 2013 after a long illness. She was born Mary Carolena Hubbard, October 7, 1941 to Harry and Lillian Hubbard in Detroit, Michigan.

As a teenager Mary loved dancing. On one occasion a friend told Mary that she had to get changed to go to the “hall”. Mary assumed that this was some dance hall that she had not heard about. Expecting to go dancing Mary went along with her friend to the hall which turned out to be the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. After the meeting Mary had the opportunity to have additional questions regarding the bible answered for her. This sparked her interest in learning more about the bible and encouraged her to start attending the meetings.

As with most children growing up Mary enjoyed the usual happy times with her family and the occasional confrontations that come with living in a home full of children. Mary had 19 brothers and sisters. Mary graduated from Eastern High School in Detroit, MI June 24, 1960. After high school Mary worked for the National Biscuit Company as a secretary. Mary had a number of occupations during her life from housewife, office worker and even owner of her own clothing consignment shop.

Mary was married to Sylvester Edward Saunders on June 22, 1959 and this union lasted until March 1, 1991. As a result of that union there were four children born; Sheryl Elaine, Sylvester Edward Jr., Tareyton Nathan and Mike Cornelius. Family life was very important; they frequently traveled to bible conventions throughout the country. Mary dedicated her life to Jehovah through baptism on August 19, 1961 in Detroit, MI.

Mary always had a very active social life with her children from swimming at neighborhood recreational centers to roller skating and dancing. Mary also enjoyed organizing and participating in gatherings both in her home and with friends.

In 1992 Mary volunteered as a full time minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses, known as Pioneer Service, and attended pioneer service school in August 1993. During the course of her life Mary has assisted many in learning bible truths, some to the point of dedication and baptism. Even recently while living in an assisted care facility Mary treated the facility as her own personal territory and used the opportunity to auxiliary pioneer assisting her neighbors to learn about the bible.

Those who knew Mary knew of her love for Jehovah and how important her service and worship of him were. While suffering through her declining health, meeting attendance and association with her spiritual brothers were always important.

Mary had a great sense of humor and always seemed to make others laugh. Those who spent time with her would always find her in a jovial mood; she always had something encouraging to say. Even when she was in pain she managed to stay positive and encouraging to others. As a spiritually mature sister she would always direct you to Jehovah’s word.

She was preceded in death by 17 of her brothers and sisters, her daughter Sheryl and former husband Sylvester Sr. She is survived by her sons and their wives, Sylvester Jr. & Audrey, Tareyton & Ginger and Mike. She will also be missed by her brother Robert, sister Ethel and her 8 grandchildren Sythena, Joangela, Jonalyn, Brittany, Brandon, Alexis, Dawn & Janell.

We all look forward to seeing her again and welcoming her back in a paradise earth that Jehovah has promised to those who love and serve him faithfully.