Carolyn Williams Saunders

Carolyn Williams Saunders led a full and happy life among family and friends for nearly 73 years until she passed in an instant, without warning, at her home in Mobile on October 27, 2015. Carolyn was born in Biloxi, MS on December 24, 1942 while her parents from Louisiana were stationed at Keesler Air Base. Her parents, Armosa and T.C. Williams, preceded her in death as did her sister Patricia and her brother, Tommie.

Carolyn grew up in Bunkie, LA and graduated from Southwestern Louisiana University with a degree in English Literature and her teaching certificate. She taught English, French, History, and Journalism in her early career in New Orleans and Mobile. Later, after Carolyn earned her Masters degree at the University of South Alabama, she was the guidance counselor for several years at St. Ignatius School. Over the years, her students often appeared to greet her around town and reflect upon the warmth and support she had shown them.

Married to Andrew A. Saunders for over 50 years, the couple has resided in Mobile since 1966. Andrew and Carolyn’s only child, Andolyn, and her husband John Fitzgerald, have seven beautiful children who are the center of family life for all. These are Carolyn’s grandchildren, all Fitzgeralds: Brennan Anne (19), Mary Adelaide (18), John Saunders (16), Muriel Grace (13), Moniac Patrick (11), Amelie Kathryn (9), and Dessa Estelle (6).

Inveterate nature-lover, photographer, gardener, flower-arranger, and book club maven, Carolyn was passionate about the beautiful and the artful. She was an early member of the Mobile Tree Commission, a Board member of Mobile Botanical Gardens and the Friends of the Library, President of the Ikebana Chapter 164 in Mobile, and Senior Mom for J. T. Wright’s Sparkling Seniors, Class of ‘84.

A Celebration of Carolyn’s Life will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 31st at the Mobile Botanical Gardens (5151 Museum Drive)--reception and visitation to follow. A private burial service for the family will be held at Magnolia Cemetery after the reception. Pall Bearers will be: John Fitzgerald, Saunders Fitzgerald, Moniac Fitzgerald, Robert Robinson, David Ball, Frank Lott, Jr., Charles Phillips, and David Tugman.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Mobile Botanical Gardens in Carolyn’s name.