Bernice Elizabeth Saunders

Don't grieve for me, for now I’m free, I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I've found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full; I've savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me now, He set me free!

Bernice E. Peyton Saunders, 77, of Fayetteville, WV died on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at her home.

Born September 02, 1932 at Longacre, WV she was the daughter of the late Thomas Monroe and Mary Ann Harper Peyton.

She owned and operated Bernice's Variety Flea Market in Oak Hill for 15 years.

Mrs. Saunders was a member of the 2nd Baptist Church, Fayetteville.

Her husband of 55 years, Thornton Eugene Saunders, two infant sons and two grandchildren preceded her in death.

Those left to cherish her memory include four daughters, Catherine Saunders of Fayetteville, Garnet Saunders of Charlotte, NC, Tanya Johnson of Fayetteville and Rev. Eugenia Dillahunt and husband, Pastor Haywood of New Bern, NC; one son, Anthony Saunders of Houston TX; three God-sent children, Ricky Penn formerly of Fayetteville, Margretta Timberlake of Vanceboro, NC and Cathy Cunningham of Fayetteville; special friend, Sam Carter and two sisters, Mary Lee Reed of Tacoma, WA and Helen Shell of Madison Heights, MI.

Eighteen grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter as well as her dedicated caregivers, Lisa, Nicole and Nellie also survive her.

Services will be on Monday, December 21, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Pastor Haywood Dillahunt, Minister Anthony Saunders, Minister Robert Peyton and Rev. Ronald Smith officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home.

The Saunders family would like to extend their heart-felt thanks to the staff members of the following organizations for the loving, dedicated care they have provided: West Virginia Home Health, ARH Home Health, Raleigh County Commission on Aging, Central Aging of West Virginia and Hospice of Southern West Virginia.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV