Hazel Berrett Saunders

Hazel Joyce Barrett Saunders was born in Roanoke Rapids NC in 1935. Two days after graduating from high school, she moved to Richmond, VA and began working for Virginia Electric and Power. She met the love of her life, Zeb Saunders, on a blind date and they shared 64 years of marriage. She later retired from the IRS.

Hazel and her husband enjoyed square dancing, traveling, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and sharing her love of music through Joyful Voices, a community chorus for people with Alzheimer's, or other dementias, and their caregivers. She was an active and dedicated member of their church, where she sang in the choir, served as choir director, participated in the women’s club, and volunteered with children’s programs. Her involvement reflected her deep love of music, faith, and family.

She believed in serving her community and helping others. She understood that caring for people often meant simply showing up—taking the time to visit, bringing a home-cooked meal, or letting someone know they were not alone. She taught her family the importance of kindness, generosity, strength, and always lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need. She passed along her love of reading, sharing with her children and grandchildren the joy of books and the value of lifelong learning.

To her grandchildren, she was always ready to play a game and never too busy to join in the fun. They will fondly remember her warmth, playful spirit, and the special way she referred to their dogs as “sweetie dog.”

She had a generous heart and a genuine desire to make her community and the world around her a better place. Through her words and, more importantly, her actions, she taught her family that a life well lived is measured not by what you have, but by the love you give, the kindness you share, and the lives you touch.

Hazel is survived by her loving husband, Zeb Saunders; her daughters Esther Quinn (John) and Elizabeth Clemens (Jim); four grandchildren, Rachel, Steven, Matthew, and Rebekah; 5 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Barbara Woodcock.

Visitation will be at Woody Funeral Home on Sunday, Nov 8, 2026 from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Service will be at St. Luke’s Methodist Church on Monday, Nov 9, 2026 at 10:00 am. Family will gather for interment in Suffolk, VA following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joyful Voices Chorus https://www.joyfulvoiceschorus.org/