Nellie Lillian Saunders, 84, of Bluefield, WV went home to rest with her blessed savior on Sunday April 13, 2014. Born July 29, 1929 in Tazewell County, VA, she was a daughter of the late Fredessa Winbush. She was valedictorian of her 1948 high school class of Tazewell County High School. She lived for a time in Columbus OH where she was employed at Children's Hospital. She spent most of her life in Bluefield, VA where she was active in various community organizations. Before retirement, she worked at Bluefield State College as assistant to the registrar. She also received her college degree from Bluefield State. She was a devoted member of First Christian Church in Bluefield WV, where she spent numerous hours in service to her church family. Nellie is most remembered for her kind, gentle and generous nature. She was happiest when she was around her family and fellow church members. She enjoyed baking for her church and community and loved watching others enjoy her baked goods. She was particularly interested in education and spent much time volunteering with projects to advance the education of youth in the community. She also volunteered for the United Way of the Virginias for many years. Nellie lived her life as a selfless individual—as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend. She would instantly enlighten the life of everyone with whom she came in contact. Although she will be missed, we take comfort in the fact we will always carry a piece of her goodness with us always. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Saunders, Sr.; one son, Aaron Saunders, Jr.; one sister, Ruth Rice; two brothers, Elwin and James Winbush.

Those left to cherish her memory include one son, Dr. Royal Saunders of New Orleans, LA; one daughter, Noel Wilson and her husband, Rick Wilson of Bluefield, WV; and four grandchildren, RJ Wilson, Erin Wilson, Spencer Saunders Courtney Saunders; one great grandchild, Ricky Wilson III. Also left to cherish her memory is one sister, Eva Saunders of Bluefield VA and her three sons, George III, Winbush and Darrell Saunders and a special sister-in-law Brenda Matthews of Durham NC and her children Octavia, Kirk and Tiffany Matthews. Nellie had many nieces and nephews as well as close friends too numerous to mention.

Services will be held at 12:00 Noon Thursday April 17, 2014 at First Christian Church on Bland Road in Bluefield, WV with the Rev. Douglas McDaniel Jr., Rev. James Palmer III and Rev. Donald Gibson officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, VA. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

The family requests that in her loving memory, if desired, donations may be directed to First Christian Church 2200 Bland Road Bluefield WV 24701.