Lawonda Jo Saunders' Obituary
Lawonda Jo Saunders, 85, passed away on February 18, 2017 at home surrounded by her children in Tulsa, OK. She was born December 30, 1931 in Vinita, OK to Alvin and Lena (Farmer) Raulston. Lawonda “Jo” grew up in Vinita, graduated from high school in 1949 and took classes at Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, OK. Jo married Forest Eugene Saunders December 31,1948 in Miami, Ok. She was a loving and devoted wife for 31 years. Her greatest passion was being a mother to her children and in her spare time enjoyed bowling, fishing, and painting. She worked for Shell Oil Credit Card Center as a Fraud Investigator where she retired after 20 years. She moved to Houston, TX in 1996 to care for her twin grandsons, Brandon and Justin Saunders where she spent 7 years teaching and caring for them. She was loved by all of the pre-school staff that knew her. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Lena Raulston, her husband of 31 years Forest Eugene Saunders, her son Stanley Saunders, and her sister Gayle Norfleet. Jo is survived by her daughters Debbie and Anita Saunders of Tulsa, OK; her son Brad (Mary) Saunders of Sugar Land, TX; her sister Freida Vanover of Seattle, WA; her grandchildren Brandon and Justin Saunders; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. Referred to as “MamaJo” by many, she will be remembered as a selfless, gracious and loving person always putting others first. She was quick-witted with an infectious laugh and you knew there was always a bit of playful orneriness just below the surface. Her family is comforted knowing that she is with God and the angels for she was an angel here on earth. A memorial service is pending. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Susan G Komen via this online donation site. Condolences may be left on Lawonda Jo’s online guest book at www.floralhaven.com.
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