Aug. 6, 1952 — July 27, 2014

NATCHEZ — Memorial services for Ellen Anne Junkin Saunders, 61, of Natchez, who died Sunday, July 27, 2014, at her residence surrounded by her family, will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church.

Services will be under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time Saturday in the Christian Life Center of the church.

Mrs. Saunders was born Aug. 6, 1952, in Natchez, the daughter of Frank and Helen Harrison Junkin.

She attended Natchez public schools and graduated from St. Scholastica High School, in Covington, in 1970.

She received a bachelor of arts degree in education from Ole Miss and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Kentucky, and later enjoyed a wonderful career as librarian with Cathedral High School in Natchez.

She married James Saunders on Aug. 14, 1982, at her family home, Quitman Plantation. She and James raised two daughters, Lara Lee and Sadie Ellen, later returning to live at Quitman.

She and James established a family business, Double S Trucking, where they worked more than 20 years before enjoying retirement.

Her passions in life were family and friends, her church family at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church, and athletes and sponsors of the Mississippi Special Olympics. She was instrumental in planning many events and supporting the Area 7 athletes who participated in competitions.

She was accomplished in needlework, completing many heirloom pieces. She loved to travel and go on family cruises, enjoyed spending time alone and with family on her porch. Genealogy was a passion, and she spent countless hours compiling family history.

Her love for her church was demonstrated in myriad ways including teaching vacation bible school, delivering meals to homebound members and serving as communion steward with her daughter, Sadie.

She was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Mrs. Saunders was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Faye Junkin Hudnall; one niece, Courtney Adele Schloemer; one great-niece, Clarabelle Raye Junkin; her father-in-law, James Saunders Sr.; and her mother-in-law, Margie Wilson.

Survivors include her husband; her daughters; one brother, Frank K. “Buster” Junkin Jr. and wife, Shelley, of Natchez; one sister, Kaye Schloemer and husband, Brack, of Madison; one brother-in-law, Stuart Hudnall of Natchez; a number of nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces, who lovingly referred to her as “Favorite Aunt Ellen;” and her favorite out-laws, Becky and Shot Gwin, Rudy and Brandyn Wilson, all of Natchez, Ruthie and Buster Whitten, of Oklahoma; and her life long friends, Paula Crouch, Becky Davidson, Connie Gamberi and Tommie Jones.

The Saunders Family is indebted to Dr. Grace Shumaker, Dr. James Moore, the staff of 5D at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, and Ms. Barbara Dunbar, for providing compassionate and loving care for her.

Memorials may be sent to Area 7 Special Olympics, C/O Connie Gamberi, 207 Briarwood Road, Natchez, MS 39120, Jefferson Street United Methodist Church, 511 Jefferson St., Natchez, MS 39120, Cathedral School Development Office, 701 N. Dr. Martin L. King St., Natchez, MS 39120 or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to lairdfh.com.