Saundra Dee Bondurant

Saundra Dee Bondurant, better known as “DeeDee,” age 82, of Moneta, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

DeeDee was truly a force of nature. She lived larger than life itself and will be remembered for her strong personality, her willingness to speak her mind, and—most of all—to “get things done”. Her remarkable spirit is captured in a 2008 feature article titled Being DeeDee, written about her for the SML Laker Weekly. You are invited to read the article HERE.

In the years following the publication of that article, DeeDee continued to embrace life at Smith Mountain Lake with passion and purpose. She was deeply involved with Neighbors Helping Neighbors; active in local, state, and national politics, where she enthusiastically supported Republican candidates; a member of the Proud Patriots of SML; and a devoted participant in countless activities through her church, Trinity Ecumenical Parish. She also generously supported the Salvation Army.

DeeDee is survived by her two daughters, Audrey Barlow (“Audi”) (George “Cricket”) of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Michele Lawrence (Patrick) of Golden, Colorado; three granddaughters, Sarah Barlow Wasko (Tom), Kate Barlow Clark (Henry), and Emily Barlow; her great-granddaughter, Pearl Clark; and her sister, Sola Radiance (Gary) of Hunt, Texas; and nephews Jahmir Rath and Jadrian Rath. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis E. Bondurant.

A celebration of DeeDee’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Ecumenical Parish or the SML Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/Smith Mountain Lake.