On December 31, 2015, Sgt. Maj. Norman Allen Saunders was called home by the Lord.
Sergeant Major Saunders was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd M. & Catherine B. Saunders, and his brothers, Bervin J. and Alton E. Saunders, Sr.
Sergeant Major Saunders is a former native of Williamsburg, Virginia. He was baptized at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church at an early age. After graduating from Lafayette High School he attended Virginia State University. Norman was united in Holy Matrimony to Joyce Jimmison Saunders in 1981. Unto this union they were blessed with three children.
Sergeant Major Saunders also worked at the Ford Company, Eastern State Hospital, Hilton Inn, and Busch Gardens, all of Williamsburg, Virginia prior to pursuing his military career. He joined the military in 1983 and faithfully served his country for 31 years to include active duty, Army National Guard and Active Duty Deployments.
While serving his country he received many awards, honors and achievements to include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (40LCs), Good Conduct Medal (w/Bronze Bar, Knotted 3), Reserve Component Achievement Medal (w/1 Silver OLCs), National Defense Service Medal (w/Service Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/2 Campaign Star), Iraq Campaign Medal (w/2 Campaign Star), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary. Service medals continue: Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserved Medal w/M Device (4th Award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/ Numeral 5), NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, NATO Medal Yugoslavia, NATO Medal Non Article 5 Balkans, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Badge, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold). While serving active in the National Guards he also worked for Universal Rundel, Inc. for 15 years, and Emory University.
Sergeant Major Saunders leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 34 years, Joyce Jimmison Saunders; daughters, Cameshia Saunders Mendoza (Roy), Carnita Saunders; son, Norman A. Saunders, Jr.; sisters, Rosa Williams (the late Roger Williams, Sr.), Hilda Swann (the late Williams Swann, Sr.), Wyoma Smith, Joyce Wright (Douglas), Loretta Saunders; brothers, Willie Saunders (Charlotte), Lloyd Saunders (Shirley), David Saunders (Jacquelyn); grandchildren, Summer, Allan Duke, Makaylan, Troy Mendoza; aunt, Viola Mims; uncle, Sherman Pressey (Irene); mother-in-law, Alice Billings; sisters-in-law, Doris Jackson (John), Ceclia Sampson (Malcom), Paulette Watson (Paul), Lisa McClain (Richard), Susan Rivera, Cynthia Harris; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Jimmison, the late Raymond Jimmison, Kurt Jimmison, Phillip, Robert & Ronald Griffith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving and caring friends.
A Homegoing Celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2015, in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, with the Reverend Ronald A. Ellis officiating. Full Military Honors will be presented immediately following the eulogy. Mr. Saunders may be viewed from 3 to 5 p.m Sunday, January 11, 2015 in the funeral home.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
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