Ms. Vanessa Rene Saunders, 52, of 2017 Dacian Street passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. Vanessa was born December 13, 1955 in Winston-Salem, NC to Alfonzo and Coretha V. Saunders.

Ms. Saunders was a 1974 graduate of West Forsyth High School where she played in the marching band and was an active member of the Dancing Boots. Ms. Saunders was pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Communications at Salem College, where she was a rising senior. She was a community activist and dedicated tireless efforts to child advocacy. Vanessa was employed by Pepsi Direct as a senior customer service representative of The On Boarding Team. Vanessa was a retired veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Vanessa who loved and lived life to the fullest will truly be missed by her family as well as her extended family and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Alfonzo Saunders, Jr. and Michael Saunders, and grandparents; Eddie and Hattie Vaughn.

She leaves to cherish her memory one devoted daughter, Morgan Devae Saunders; three sisters and two brothers, Lucinda C. Vaughn of Winston-Salem, NC, Dorothy V. Oliver of Atlanta, GA, Linda V. Gunthrope (Edward) of Winston-Salem, NC, Evander T. Griggs (Sandra) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Dale Saunders of Winston-Salem, NC; one foster sister, Mrs. Bernice Parrish of Winston-Salem, NC. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and many devoted "special friends" too numerous to name.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday, August 2, 2008 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Johnny L. York officiating. Family visitation will be held from 1 pm until 1:30 pm Saturday at the funeral home.