Margaret Berry Saunders, age 98, entered peacefully into the arms of our Savior on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Margaret was the 2 ^nd of eight children born in the Cherry Grove Community of Darlington, SC to Mr. James William Berry & Lizzie Gregg Berry on Wednesday, October 25, 1922.

As a child, she attended Cherry Grove Elementary school as well as Cherry Grove Baptist Church, which during those times also served as a school.

Margaret's parents relocated their family to Winston-Salem, NC, and that is where she would spend the rest of her life.  There, she attended Atkins High School and became an activist in her community.  She was a voter's registration poll worker, encouraging the African American community to vote in every election.  She worked with the YWCA when it first opened in the Winston-Salem area, working with children at the old Skyland School and East Winston community swimming pools.

She was employed by the Jones family, owners of Holsum Bakery located in Old Salem, for many years, where she kept the home and raised their children as her own.   Margaret was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of North Carolina.

In 1941, Margaret was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Sammie Epps Saunders.  To this union four children were born: Sammie, Jr., Rita Elaine, Carlos Ronnell, and Beverly Dean.

In 1938, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. R.M. Pitts, she became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church.  She was very active in the ministry, serving as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Pastor's Aide Board, Young Women's Progressive Club and a member of the House of Ruth organization.  She served in various capacities while she was able.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Sammie E. Saunders, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Mother Bessie M. Saunders; son, Carlos R. Saunders; son-in-law, James E. Hogue; grandchildren, Larry M. Saunders, Sr. and Avis Y. Ellis; great-grandson, Jairus M. Saunders; and each of her siblings.

She was loved by many and will be missed.

After long and beautiful life, she leaves to cherish her memories, her loving children:  Bishop S.E. (Lady Connie) Saunders of Dudley, NC., Rita E. Hogue (the late James Hogue), Beverly D. Saunders and Emmanuel Mickens, all of Winston-Salem, NC; fond memories will always be cherished by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A special thanks to her devoted granddaughter of the home, ShaVonda Surratt, who lived with and cared for until the very end.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 6:00pm Friday, April 2, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private funeral services will be held Saturday, April 3, 2021. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.