Clearsey Saunders

On Friday, April 3, 2020, at the age of 93, Clearsey Wade Saunders of Rocky Mount, Virginia peacefully entered into eternal rest at Franklin Health and Rehabilitation Center in Rocky Mount.

Clearsey was born on December 9, 1926 in Coalfield, West Virginia. At an early age, she moved to Ferrum, Virginia where she received her schooling and graduated from the Franklin County School System. For many years, she worked in the industrial field. She then met and married the love of her life, Edward Saunders, and was blessed with a huge and loving family of seven children, 20 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren. Although a disciplinarian, she dearly loved her family and spent an enormous amount of time caring for her grandchildren.

Clearsey accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was an active and dedicated member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount prior to being diagnosed with dementia. She continued to attend her home church and other nearby churches until her illness became too debilitating. Even after she was confined to a nursing facility, you could sometimes hear her sing a spiritual song. She never forgot the Lord and kept the faith until the very end.

Clearsey was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Maggie Wade; two brothers, Frank and Howard Wade; her husband, Edward Saunders; three children, Edward “Skeet” Saunders, Arlene “Tinks” Saunders and William “Michael” Saunders; and two grandsons, Richard “Lewis” Saunders and Darius Saunders, Jr.

Clearsey was survived by three daughters, Patricia (Robert) Fralin of Wirtz, Virginia; Velma (Bernard) Manns of Ferrum; and Mary (MacArthur) McGhee of Rocky Mount; one son, Darius (Jennifer) Saunders of Ferrum; and one sister, Alesia (Danny) Tyree-Anderson of Rocky Mount. Not only did Clearsey leave behind a strong, proud generation to carry on her legacy, she left behind many cousins and friends. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Lord.

A Note from the Family
Due to social distancing restrictions in effect because of COVID-19, there will be a private graveside service on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. A public memorial service celebrating Clearsey’s life will be scheduled at a future date.

We would like to thank everyone for all acts of kindness shown to us during this time of bereavement. The love, prayers, phone calls, text and Facebook messages are truly appreciated. Unfortunately, we are unable to receive visitors or accept food donations at this time and we request that any floral arrangements be delivered directly to Flora Funeral Service at the address below. On-line condolences may also be placed on Flora’s website.

Flora Funeral Service
665 South Main Street • Rocky Mount, Virginia
Website: florafuneralservice.com