Gwendolyn S. “Gwen” Saunders, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 13, 2026, following a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer.

Gwen was a 1957 graduate of Vigor High School, where she met and fell in love with her husband of 52 years, Robert “Bob” Saunders, affectionately known as “PeeWee” to family and friends. For most of her life, Gwen was a devoted stay-at-home mother, but in the late 1980s and early 1990s, she and her mother owned and operated a dress shop in Saraland. It seemed only fitting that Gwen would open a dress shop, given her lifelong love of clothes and shopping. She and her mother had so much fun running the shop together, and they made many wonderful friendships along the way. And if you knew Gwen, you knew she was always dressed to the nines—stylish from head to toe.

Gwen loved traveling with her family and friends, and no trip was complete without a mandatory stop for ice cream. She especially treasured the mother-daughter-cousin retreats they enjoyed over the years—times filled with laughter, love, and precious memories with family. These were among the things she always looked forward to most.

Gwen was a longtime, faithful member of Saraland Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities throughout the years. She taught Sunday School, Training Union, Girls in Action (GA’s), and Vacation Bible School; served on the hostess team; and sang in the choir. She dearly loved her church and church family. Most of all, she loved the Lord and shared the love of Jesus with everyone she met. Her life was a beautiful example of a true “Proverbs 31 Woman.” Even throughout the past two years of battling cancer, she never lost her faith.

Gwen’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her two children more than anything in the world, cherished her two grandsons, whom she affectionately called her “precious hearts,” as well as her granddaughter-in-love; and treasured her great-granddaughter, who was one of the greatest blessings of her life. God knew just how much our sweet “Heidi girl” would be needed during these past two and a half years.

Gwen loved having family gathered around her table for dinner, where the menu often included her famous lasagna or chicken and dumplings—and, of course, her beloved pound cake. Family meant everything to her, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time together, creating memories that will remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

Gwen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Saunders; her father, Irving J. Sterling; her mother, Minnie “MooMoo” Austin; her brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Edna Sterling; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles “Bubba” and Peggy Saunders; her sister-in-law, Dorothea Renfroe; and her nephew, Charles “Chuck” Saunders.

She is survived by her two children, Susan (Kruggie) Williamson and Sterling (Kelly) Saunders; her two grandsons, Caleb (Holly) Williamson and Joshua Williamson; her beloved great-granddaughter, Heidi Williamson; her special nieces, Deborah (Andy) Wratchford, Lori (Mike) Taylor, Christie (Mike) White, and Amy (Brad Hudson) Domingue; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, who held a special place in her heart; many cousins whom she loved dearly; and some “special girls” who loved Gwen as though she were their own; as well as countless cherished friends whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

Gwen’s life was defined by her love for the Lord and her family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, laughter, and countless precious memories. She will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing and loving her.  This is not goodbye; it’s just see you later.

Gwen’s home going celebration will be held at 2PM, Thursday September 17, 2026 at Saraland Baptist Church, 712 Williams Avenue, Saraland, AL 36571. The family will receive friends beginning at 12PM until service time. Graveside services to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 10000 Celeste Rd, Saraland, AL 36571. Officiating will be Pastor Todd Richardson. **Since Gwen loved colorful fashion, we ask that you wear something bright and colorful to celebrate her memory.

Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family. Online expressions of condolences may be made at www.hughesfh.com.