Antoinette L. Saunders

Antoinette L. Saunders, 91, of Portsmouth, Virginia died on Monday, December 17, 2012 at Autumn Care Of Portsmouth Nursing Home. Antoinette was the daughter of the late Upshur and Mary Frances Leonard.

Born on February 22, 1921 in Portsmouth, Virginia, Antoinette was married to the late Allen George Saunders for over 52 years. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, and was known as an outstanding seamstress for many years. Antoinette was a long-time member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board, the Hospitality Committee and the Alfreda Knight’s Golden Age Ministry.

Antoinette is survived by her three daughters Jacqueline Terrell of Woodbridge, VA.; Andrea Jones of Middletown, Conn., and Antoinette Saunders (Toni) of Portland, Oregon; and four grandchildren, Crystal Terrell-Jewett of Woodbridge, VA.; Alex Jones of Hoboken, NJ.; John Saunders and Michael-Allen Gaither, both of Portland, Oregon. She also leaves her devoted cousin, William Watson Jr. (Boots), Care-giver and long-time family friend Sylvia Hicks, Joan Traverso, God-daughter Kim Harding, Brother-in-law, Ralph Saunders and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Autumn Care of Portsmouth for their compassionate care during her last years.

Funeral services for the Antoinette L. Saunders will be held Saturday, December 22, 2012 at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 3310 Deep Creek Blvd., Portsmouth VA 23702. Viewing will be at 10:00 am with the celebration of life to follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502. For online expression of sympathy, please visit www.woodlawngroup.com.