Mildred W. “Mimi” Saunders passed away on July 23, 2021, at the age of 100, at home surrounded by her grandsons and caregiver. Born March 23, 1921, in Greensboro, NC, she was a Graham resident for most of her life and was a valued member of the community. Mimi worked for the Federal Government on the Army contract at Western Electric, retiring in 1972. She was very involved in State and Local politics. Mimi volunteered as a poll worker and was a precinct captain. She served and led in multiple civic organizations and historical societies and had an encyclopedic knowledge of our history and community. She was a long-time member of Graham First United Methodist Church, caring for the under 2-year-olds in the Cradle Roll for forty years, served on numerous committees and was active in UMW and Young In Heart. Mimi always encouraged and supported people with calls, cards, and notes. She was loved and admired by so many.
She was predeceased by her father, JM Whittemore Sr, mother, Pearl W Whittemore, husband, Bob Saunders, brother, JM Whittemore Jr, sister, Jeanne W Buff, daughter, Mignon S Harden, and granddaughter, Heidi J Harden.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and is survived by her grandchildren, Alan Harden of Washington, DC, Aaron Harden and wife, Tammy Harden of Fleming Island, FL; her great grandchildren, Kenneth Edwards of Angier, NC, and Caleb, Joshua, and Elijah Harden of Fleming Island, FL; her nieces, Gail W Smith of Jacksonville, FL and Brenda B Willett of Calhoun, GA; her nephew, Mylan Buff of Carol Stream, IL, as well as other special maternal and paternal cousins.
Service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, July 26, 2021, at the Rich & Thompson Chapel in Graham with Pastor Claire Clyburn officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel United Methodist Church in Snow Camp, NC.
The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson in Graham from 4-6 pm Sunday evening and other times at her residence, 417 Banks St, Graham, NC 27253.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Graham or the Arthritis Foundation.
Special thanks to Stephanie from Senior Options and Toni from Amedisys Hospice for their excellent care the last month. They represent the very best in their professions.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mrs Mildred W. "Mimi" Saunders, please visit our Tree Store.