Maurice Chester Sauls, Jr.

Maurice Chester Sauls, Jr. was the first child born to Armene and Maurice Sauls, Sr. This precious baby boy was born on August 10,1958 at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas. He was welcomed into the world with much joy and delight. He was truly loved and adored!

The family quickly grew to include four siblings: Charles (Dickie), Patricia (Trish), Sarah, and Robert who affectionately called their big brother, “June.” “June” instinctively developed a loving, caring, protective nature towards his brothers and sisters after the untimely death of their beloved mother. Without missing a beat, their dad, Maurice, Sr. and his parents, George and Pauline Sauls (Big Daddy and Big Mama) welcomed the children into their home. As fate would have it, five years ago (through Facebook), Maurice and his siblings were reunited with their brother, Christopher, who had been adopted. The bond between them was immediate and undeniable.

After the move to Austin, Maurice attended L.L. Campbell Elementary School (Chicon St. location), Kealing Jr. High School, and Anderson High School (Mesa location). He embraced the journey of learning in all subjects, but his favorite class was Art, for he was an excellent artist.

Much time was spent with cousins, and sleepovers was a common thing to do. Sometimes, they would sleep on the porch to watch the stars and listen to scary stories. (It was safe to sleep outside, then.)

As an adult, Maurice was employed as a very skilled cook at several local establishments. He also worked security for Davis Security Systems. Because he had been taught as a child about the importance of working, he was never slack in giving his best as an employee.

At an early age, Maurice professed a hope in Christ and accepted him as his Lord and Savior under the late Rev. James E. Obey, Sr. who baptized him. His life was never the same as he began to learn more and more about Jesus Christ through Sunday School. He was so excited to become a Christian!

Maurice was very vocal in declaring his love and admiration for both Pastor Obey and Pastor Parker including their families. If he could have, he would have shouted his love for them from the rooftops for they were a vital part of his village. They were there for him unconditionally through good times and times of challenge.

He never lost his passion to sing for the Lord, and as an adult, he continued to be a part of the church’s Music Ministries- Senior Choir, Male Chorus, and the Intergenerational Choir. His tenor voice was strong and powerful, and he was always ready, willing, and able to give his best in singing praises unto the Lord. He was a faithful servant who touched the hearts of the congregation whenever he was called upon to lead a song- a favorite “God Is”. Singing brought him great peace and joy! It was like oxygen in his soul!

Maurice was not one to be idle, and therefore served in other ministries which brought him great joy as well. These ministries include Platinum Plus, Men’s Ministry, and Celebrate Recovery. Maurice had a warm heart for the elderly! He loved helping them whether it be pushing them in their wheelchair or assisting them in getting to their car. It brought him immense joy to help them.

He looked forward to participation in all men’s ministries. One event that he took pride in being a part of was when they would pass water out to the crowd during the community Juneteenth parade.

As a member of Celebrate Recovery, he found a village of support which helped him cope and overcome life’s challenges. He knew that the transparency and honesty expected in this group, would always inspire him to be and do better.

Maurice became responsible for setting the atmosphere for a beautiful sanctuary at Christmas time. His mentors, Sis. Edith McKinney (Aunt Edith) and Sis. Ernestine Hill prepared him for the task for many years. When Sis. McKinney and Sis. Hill retired from this work; Maurice was ready to take the mantle!

Maurice LOVED the Lord, his family, Pastor, his church family, and friends! His works in God’s kingdom speak volumes!

Maurice was preceded in death by his mother, Armene Sauls; grandparents, George and Pauline Sauls; brothers, Kenneth Sauls and Vaness Simmons (Baby June); uncles, George Sauls, Jr and Isaiah Sauls; aunt and uncle, Ruth and Leroy Sauls; adopted aunt and uncle, Lois and Louie Whie.

He leaves to cherish his memory, dad, Maurice Sauls, Sr.; sisters, Patricia (Trish) Sauls-Clark, Sarah Sauls; brothers, Charles (Dickie) Sauls (Tandelyn), Robert Anthony Sauls (Cynthia), Christopher Sauls-Anderson (Anastasia); sister, Delores Sauls-Maxwell; brother, Paul (Squeaky) Sauls; bonus mother, Annie Mae Hamilton; aunt, Martha Bolden Sauls; adopted aunts, Edith McKinney, Eleanor Thompson, Betty Spight; adopted uncle, Curtis R. Davis and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends