Louise Saunders

Louise Drye Austin Saunders, 88 years of age, of Albemarle, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Mallard Ridge Assisted Living in Clemmons, NC.

Ms. Saunders was born November 3, 1927 in North Carolina to the late Robert Wilhoit Austin and Mallie Drye Austin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Hiram Wade Saunders, son, Hiram Laban Saunders, sister, Sara Jean Austin Dorsett, and brother, Robert W. Austin, Jr.

Ms. Saunders graduated from Thomasville High School, attended Flora McDonald College, and graduated with a BA degree from Woman's College, now (UNC-Greensboro). She earned her Master of Art in Teaching at UNC Charlotte. She taught science and math at Albemarle Middle School and High School for a total of 38 years, 33 of which was in Albemarle. Louise was also the co-owner of Hiram's Flowers and Gifts. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church where she served on the Council on Ministries and the Administrative Board. She served as chairman for the Pastor Staff Relations Committe and as president of the United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Daytime Circle and received the 2002 Laity Service Award. She also served on the Stanly County Community Concert Board.

The family will receive friends at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 10:00 until 11:00 am . The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am in the chapel, officiated by Rev. Mark Norman Vickers. Burial will be at the Fairview Memorial Park, 1425 East Main Street, Albemarle.

Survivors include her loving granddaughter; Brooke Austin Saunders Harris and husband BJ of Winston Salem; great-grandchildren Bradley and Breah; numerous nieces and nephews..

Memorials may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church 1100 West Main St. Albemarle, NC. 28001.

Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Saunders family.