Edith Elmore Saunders, 102, of Suffolk, died Sunday, July 6, 2003.

She was a native of Blackstone, Va. and retired from teaching after many years at Driver Elementary School.

She was an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church, serving on the board as a devoted member of Circle 4 and the United Methodist Women. She was the recipient of the United Methodist Women’s Special Membership Pin.

Mrs. Saunders had served as president of the Suffolk Woman’s Club, was a long-standing member of the Lake Kilby Garden Club and the recipient of the club’s &uot;Life Membership Award.&uot;

The widow of Ritchie Curtis Saunders Sr., she is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Ritchie Curtis Saunders Jr., and his wife, Martha Godwin Saunders, of Suffolk; Robert Harrison Saunders, and his wife, Anne Jarvis Saunders, of Richmond; and Carson Elmore Saunders, and his wife, Jean Watkins Saunders, of Emporia; six grandchildren, Whitney, Rob, Emily, Mary Meade, Carson, and Jim Saunders, and eight great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Saunders will long be remembered for her devotion to family and friends, her enjoyment of the many hours playing bridge, the delicious brownies she baked for all occasions, and most of all her positive outlook on life.

The memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, in Main Street United Methodist Church, by the Rev. Robert J. Parks Jr.

The family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall following the memorial service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 202 N. Main St., Suffolk, Va. 23434.

R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.