Norfolk -Shirley Ann Saunders,74, of the 1300 block of Selden Avenue departed this life on July 19, 2010 following a brief hospitalization at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Va. Born in Norfolk, she was a faithful member of Advent Church of God in Christ where Dr. Y.D. Thoroughgood is pastor. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be truly missed by all whose hearts she touched and inspired.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Louis Saunders, parents, Superintendent Joe Rome Spence and Nettie Parker Spence, a sister, Elmira Christine Boyce, a brother, Clinton Spence, and two infant sons. Survivors include 11 children, Shirley Mayberry, Joseph Saunders Jr., Melvina Thornton (Phillip), Sharon Lassiter, Debra Doggett (Donald), Velda Griffin, Tracie Saunders, Micheal Saunders (Renea), Toya Rasberry (Harvey), Kendall Saunders, and Marc Saunders (Melora); 28 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren; 1 brother, Elder Joseph R. Spence (Paulette); 2 sisters, Lois Spence Walton (James) and Charlotte Richardson, sister-in law, Antionette Spence, and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Services will be held noon Saturday, July 24, 2010 at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held Friday from 3 pm – 7 pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake where the family will receive friends from 6-7 pm. We invite you to invite you to send a condolence message in the family's guest at www.pretlowandsons.com .