Mrs. Catherine Saunders

Catherine Rodwell Alford Saunders was born on Sunday, December 14, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan to Carrie Daisy Ophelia Boyd Alford and Bennie Alford, Sr. At the age of nine, Catherine acknowledged her growing love of Christ, was baptized, and became an active member of Saunders Memorial A.M.E. Church, where she sang in the children’s choir, participated in the Sunday School, and enjoyed the worship and other activities available. A product of the public schools of Detroit, Catherine graduated from Southeastern High School in 1960, and promptly took on the challenges of college life at Wayne State University where she met the love of her life, The Reverend P. David Saunders, Sr. They wed on June 27, 1964 and shared 59 wonderful years together. Their union was blessed with three extraordinarily gifted children: Phelmon David Saunders, Jr., Karen Nicole Saunders Washington, and Benjamin Alford Saunders. Catherine was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the A.M.E. Church for more than 60 years and was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Saginaw Alumnae Chapter. In addition, Catherine supported the work of several community/religious organizations, including the First Ward Community Center, Church Women United, and King’s Daughters of Saginaw County. Catherine was called home on December 7, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her six siblings. Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband of 59 years, The Reverend P. David Saunders, Sr.; her children Phelmon, Jr. (Gwen), Karen Washington (Chris), and Benjamin (Jessica); sisters-in-law Brenda Fields, Sheri Goodwyn, and Dorcas Alford; eight grandchildren, two great-grand-children, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates charitable donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011, or online at https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. with the memorial service commencing at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 535 Cathay St., Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor,Douglas Banks will officiate. Rev. Dr. Dennis Laffoon Host Pastor.

Mrs. Catherine Saunders

December 14, 1941 - December 7, 2023