Irma Saunders

Age 76, was called home on Thursday, February 2, 2012. She was born in Kalamazoo, MI, to her parents, George and Charlotte (Gardner) Dunigan, on November 10, 1935. She was a lifelong, faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and served on the Usher Board ministry for several years. Irma graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, Kalamazoo, MI in 1954. She earned her Licensed Practical Nurse certification while employed with the State of Michigan. Irma transitioned to Borgess Medical Center where she ended her career in health care when she retired in 1998 after over 40 years of service. She was united in marriage to George David Saunders in 1956. From this union, two children were raised in love, Alesia and David. Irma was an avid fisherman and enjoyed basketball, baseball, softball and bowling. Anyone who knew Irma, knew she was a loving and giving person. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. Irma always had a smile on her face and was pleasant to anyone she encountered. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her sisters and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Charlotte Dunigan; her husband, George; five sisters, Lemonia Greer, Henrietta Dunigan, Louise Gardner, Eileen Gladys Charleston and Joyce Elaine Reeves; and a special niece, Nancy Gardner. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Alesia (James) Saunders of Rochester Hills, MI; her son, David (Reuquiyah) Saunders of Kalamazoo, MI; two grandsons, David and Donovan Saunders of Kalamazoo, MI; one granddaughter, Telisha Saunders of Kalamazoo, MI; three sisters, Maudine Coleman, Georgia Julian, and Janice Ezell all of Kalamazoo, MI; one brother, Rev. George (Barbara) Dunigan of Flint, MI; Special Nieces, Mary Charleston and Beverly Coleman; godson, Warren Todd Ezell ("Squirrel"); goddaughter, Ashley Coleman; special friends, Helen Brooks and Kate Evans; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be held 12 Noon Wednesday, February 8, 2012, with a 11:00 a.m. Family Hour at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Dr. Addis Moore, officiating. Friends may view 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2012 (TOMORROW) at the: Harper Funeral Home, 521 Douglas Avenue, 342-1000. Interment Riverside Cemetery.