The News & Advance - Lynchburg, VA
Tuesday, 06 Oct 2009

Hallie Goodman Saunders

Hallie Goodman Saunders, 97, of Bedford, died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, at the Bedford County Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late John Wesley Saunders, who was proud to be a "Son of the Confederacy."

Born April 12, 1912, in Bedford County, she was the daughter of the late Willis Melvin and Lucy Wilson Goodman. She was a member of Pisgah Presbyterian Church and a former member of Rock Pike Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one son, W. Maurice Saunders; two daughters, Joyce Creasey and husbands, Ray Creasey and Frank Hudson, and Ruth Hudson and husband, Thomas; six sisters, Lizzie Goodman, Beulah Elliott and husband, Reveley, Adria Overstreet and husband, Warner, Nora Laughlin and husbands, Viven Laughlin and Carlton Goodman, Eleanor Spearberg and husband, Ed, and Frances Allen and husband, Charlie; three brothers, an infant, Frank Goodman, Evans Goodman and his wife, Annie, and Stewart Goodman and his wife, Lena; and two sons-in-law, George Tassone, husband of Beatrice, and E. Hayden Markham, husband of Rachel.

Mrs. Saunders loved music and made it a part of the home. She loved singing ballads and gospel music. When her children were small, they would gather around the radio to listen to the Grand Ole Opry and other programs. She also loved the outdoors and spending evenings with her family, simply observing the heavens. Her door was always open and help was available to any in need. She loved to grow produce and share with others. Her Bible was her favorite book, and she loved to read it.

Mrs. Saunders is survived by two sons, James A. "Willie" Saunders and wife, Frances, of Lynchburg and Jonathan S. Saunders and wife, Janice, of South Carolina; two daughters, Rachel Markham and Rebecca Downey and husband, Aubrey "Peasy"; one sister and faithful companion and caregiver, Beatrice Tassone; and daughter-in-law, Geraldine Saunders, all of Lynchburg; and 20 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, great great great-grandchildren, and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with the Rev. Dr. William T. Vest officiating. Interment will follow in Pisgah Presbyterian Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 6, 2009, at the funeral home and other times at the home of her daughter, Rachel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pisgah Presbyterian Church.

To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Timberlake Chapel, is serving the family.