Harriet Elizabeth Gunter Saunders, 84, of 36 Parkway Drive, Martinsville, VA was born on April 30, 1927.  She was one of ten children born to the late John Eddie and Lettie Ann Terry Gunter.

In addition to her parents, Harriet was preceded in death by eightof her siblings, one son and one grandson.

She was united in marriage to Willie Irvin Saunders for 61 years and to this union four children were born; Larry (Delores) Saunders of Richmond, VA; Alvin Wayne Saunders (deceased); Deborah Saunders Hairston, of Martinsville, VA, and Brenda Saunders (Robert) Turner, of Renton, WA.

Harriet was a native of Keeling, VA.  She became a member o Kentuck Baptist Church of Ringgold, VA at an early age.  After moving to the Martinsville/Henry County area, she united with Christian View Missionary Baptist Church where she was a former member of the Senior Choir.  She worked at American of Martinsville and Bassett Furniture Companies, Bassett-Walker Knitting and Mary Hunter Elementary School.

Harriet leaves to mourn: her husband; their three children and their spouses; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Mayo Missionary Baptist Church in Ridgeway, VA with Rev. Cedric T. Henry, officiating.  Burial will follow in Christian View Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Spencer, VA.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Hines Funeral Services, Inc.