Saundra A. Braden

As the rain fell in Chattanooga TN on Saturday, January 7th, 2023 Saundra Parman Braden went home to be with her Lord and Savior. The weather was fitting as her family and friends mourned the loss of this beautiful and gracious daughter of God. However, above the clouds the sun shone brightly. Her family and friends know that Saundra is also shining brightly as she walks the streets of gold in Heaven.

Aside from a deep relationship with the Lord, Saundra devoted her life to her loving husband and family. She served others by teaching children’s and ladies’ Sunday School classes, leading Bible clubs with Child Evangelism Fellowship, singing in church choirs, and being a camp counselor at BMA Bible camps. She had a passion for reaching those who are lost.

Saundra had a heart of gold and always saw the best in everyone no matter their faults.

The Lord’s creativity was evident in her life. Saundra loved to write short stories, poetry, and songs. She was trained in cake decorating and taught Wilton decorating classes for many years. Her love of decorating led her to catering weddings and other events. She made beautiful wedding cakes as well as floral arrangements. Saundra loved crafting with friends and making keepsakes for grandchildren such as quilts, clothes, and toys.

Friendship was something that Saundra highly valued. She and her husband Bill spent many joyous hours over the years with their friend group vacationing and hanging out Friday nights.

Saundra had a love for the beach. Her favorite spot was Saint George Island where she vacationed with family and friends for over 40 years. Sitting in front of the ocean and watching the waves made her feel close to her Creator. She often spoke about how the waves reminded her of God’s power and his constant blessings in good times and bad.

Today her view is more beautiful than her view of the ocean. She is in the presence of Jesus, her Savior and soaking in the Beauty of Heaven.

Preceded in death by her parents, Cliff Parman and Madaline Parman Boyd.

Survived by her husband of 63 years, James W. Braden; her daughters, Cynthia (Nelson) Gage, Shannon (Chris) Swann, Jennifer (Stewart) Chastain, Madaline (David) McFarland; 9 grandchildren -Justin (Anna) Hipp, Lindsey (Patrick) Martin, Jarrod Swann, Nathan (Ivy) Swann, Brayden Chastain, Rebekah Chastain, Conrad (Maddie) Ratchford, Clayton McFarland, and Carter McFarland; 11 great grandchildren; and sister, Libby Swingle.

A visitation will be held at Woodland Park Baptist Church from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 and one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service. The service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, at Woodland Park Baptist Church, 6735 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens East in Chattanooga.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.