Sarah Jannie Saunders

She was born on April 7, 1948, in Scotland County, NC, to the late Orian and Letha Martin.

In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, James Robert Saunders; her sisters, Lucy Cartwright, Anne Martin, Mable Thompkins, Margaret Nobles, and Joan Martin; her brothers, Tracy and Wesley Martin; her half-sisters, Nellie, Dott, and Myrtle Martin Pearson; and her half-brother, Lendal Martin.

Sarah was a devoted member of the Pentecostal Holiness faith and attended Pittman Grove Baptist Church. She will be remembered as a joyful and caring woman—always smiling, full of laughter, and ready to lend a helping hand. She found great happiness in life’s simple pleasures, including camping, baking, word puzzles, thrifting, and, most importantly, spending time with her family.

Sarah was a dedicated mother who worked hard to provide a loving and beautiful life for her children. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world and her greatest source of pride and joy.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sons: Robert (“Matt”) Saunders of Raeford, NC; James (“Jimmy”) Saunders of Laurinburg, NC; and Lendal (“Drake”) Saunders and his wife, Julie, of Raeford, NC; grandchildren: Christian Barnes (Heath), Joshua Lupo, Christopher Saunders (Savannah), Taylor Saunders, Johnathan Spencer (Schani), and Justin Spencer (Brittany); great-grandchildren: Melanie Lupo, Sofia Lupo, Ava Lyn Spencer, Jesse Spencer, Elleione Stuivent, Hadilyn Barnes, Cecilia Barnes, James Lupo, Jaden Spencer, Liam Barnes, June Spencer, Trenton Saunders, and Vivianne Saber; along with several nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law, Cathy Johnson of Bennettsville, SC, and Sadie Martin; and her caregiver, Rhonda Fritch.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 02, 2026, from 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm at Pittman Grove Baptist Church, 4921 Pittman Grove Church Road, Raeford, NC 28376 with a service following at 1:00 pm.

Burial will be at Antioch Presbyterian Church, 6583 Red Springs Rd, Red Springs, NC 28377.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pittman Grove Baptist Church.

Services are entrusted to Crumpler Funeral Home.