Betty Long Saunders

She was born June 3, 1933 in Burke County to the late William Cly Long and Flossie Abernethy Long. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Joe Saunders; son, Kenneth Saunders; and brother, Bob Long.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Joel Saunders and fiancé Kimberly Shields of Sneads Ferry; granddaughter, Jessica Saunders Hutchens and husband Brad of Florida; nephews, Alan Long, Brian Long, and Gavin Long; nieces, Janice Saunders Brewer, and Carolyn Saunders Jones; sister-in-law, Merlene Long; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Saunders was a wonderful wife to Joe, amazing mother to her kids, and devoted her whole life to taking care of her entire family no matter what the problem may have been. She can never be replaced and will be dearly missed. This world has lost a hero, my mom.

A private graveside service will be held at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. J. R. Richards officiating.

A Wonderful Life

I am standing upon the seashore next to my family and friends. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her at length until she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the ocean and the sky come together and mingle. Then someone at my side says, "She is gone". "Gone where?" "Gone from our sight, that is all". She is just as large and beautiful as ever. Her diminished size is only in our vision, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "She is gone" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices cheering out loud, "Here she comes, Here she comes".

TO ME THIS IS NOT DYING, BUT LIVING!!! Joel Saunders

Kirksey Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family of Mrs. Betty Long Saunders.