Rachel Marie Saunders

Rachel was born on October 31, 1922, in Petersburg, Virginia, and was the oldest of three children born to Marie and Louis Jefferson of Ettrick, Virginia. Her sister, Mildred Jefferson Runkle, died on August 15, 2022 and her brother, Louis Randolph Jefferson, died on May 12, 2003.

Rachel married George E. Saunders on December 5, 1942 at the Waugh Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. They moved several times over the years, but in 1955, they bought a home in Springfield and lived there until George was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. In 1999, they moved to the Greensprings Senior Living Community where they both lived until George died on December 4, 2001. Rachel continued to reside there until 2025 when she moved from independent living to assisted living in Garden Ridge at Greensprings.

Rachel is survived by her daughter, Becki Friend (husband, Bill) her son, Tim Saunders (wife, Kathie), grandchildren Jim Harrover (wife, Molly) Lauren Rudenko (husband, Vladimir) and Jes Saunders. She is also survived by two greatgrandchildren, Alexander and Katherine.

Rachel worked for many years in Washington, D.C., beginning with the Department of the Navy during WWII. In later years, she worked for a number of Members of Congress and at the White House under Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan.

Rachel and George joined the Springfield United Methodist Church in 1956 and this was their ‘forever home church’ until their passing. They were both very active in the church. They sang in the choir, taught high school Sunday School, and participated in many activities. Rachel continued to attend until she was no longer able to. In 2003, she gifted the church a stained glass window in memory of George. In 2016, she gave the church a new American flag, flagpole, stand, and brass plaque “dedicated to our members who served in the Armed Forces.”

Rachel’s long life was dedicated to her faith, her church and her family. Her family meant everything to her, and each member holds unique and special memories of their relationship with her. She will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Springfield United Methodist Church located at 7047 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA, 22150. A reception will be held there after the service, followed by burial at the National Memorial Park in Falls Church, alongside her husband.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Springfield United Methodist Church at the address above.