H. Ishmael Saunders

I realize that H. Ishmael called himself this in his adult life; but, I know him as Henry. I have known him since he was a new born and baby sat him (and his brothers and sister)too many times. Henry and Greg are the nearest guys in terms of age to me. Henry was always my friend. I have such great memories of our times growing up. Only we know the nick name "Buzzard" why and where it came from. I think I will keep it that way. To Mary - I have only seen you one time and maybe spoken with you two or three times; but, it is clear to me that you and Henry had something special and that was good to me. May GOD bless you and yours in the times to come - please keep me in the loop. I will alway remember doing push-ups with Debbie, Henry and Kaylord on my back (of course they were little skinny kids) and that solidified me as "Big Ernie" (It had nothing to do with "Little Ernie").



What most people don't know about Henry is that he was always the favorite of all people in Grand Rapids, MI. I don't remember anyone who did not like Henry or had anything negative to say about him. He was a hell of a guy. (Note: I did lose some bucks when he and OTTAWA HILLS lost in the districts back in the day. Ricky Welsh always asked me about Henry every time we happened to run across one another. Ricky, like so many others, recognized a great athlete when they saw one in the making. In all respect, Henry was the high mark of the Saunders - all learned from him; think about it. Although I was not in contact during his adult years, I will always remember and love and miss the Buzzard. May GOD be with you Mary and all. Please keep me in the loop. Thank You. Love Ernie III

I love you daddy and miss you. You are dearly missed. Thanks for everything you did while you were here.

I am sorry to here about Uncle Ishmeal. I know what your going though. My prayers and love go out to you and the family. God works in ways we'll never understand. But I do know, he's in a happy place now with Zena, Daddy and Grandpa. Love You Always!!!!

We don't always understand why the Lord works the way He does but we need to trust in his plan. Mary I am so happy to have had the chance to meet your lovely family at the family reunion last summer. Ishmael made a lasting impression on both of us. Our prayers are with you and your beautiful children.

I didn't know Ishmael but, fortunately, I met Mary and several of her children at our last family reunion. I am saddened by their great loss. I will include all of you in my prayers and thoughts.

U. Ishmael, words fail me. I'm still in total disbelief. As I stood next to your hospital bed I kept imagining your spirit watching us stand around you weeping...then hoping you would sit up, move or flinch. But like the doctor said "what made you who you were was gone." I thank God that we were able to spend time with you and your family the week prior of your homecoming. Aunt Mary, my heart goes out to you and your family. I pray for the spirit of peace and comfort for the Saunders family. Love you, and you will be missed.



~Philona

Uncle Ishmael, words cannot express the pain I feel after your death. You are a beautiful person who is loved by many. I will continually keep you and your family in my prayers. You will be missed very much, yet never forgotten. You left a legacy through your beautiful wife and children. Our love for you will never fade. I send my love to Aunt Mary and your children. With love, Always and forever!



Your niece,

Becky Coleman

It has always been a real pleasure having the beautiful Saunders family visit Ghent. We are honored that you chose Ghent as your final resting place. Much love from your cousin.

I meant to you and the kids

Mary Val and family. My heart goes out to all of you. This is not an easy time, I know. I pray you will find peace in our Savior Jesus. My family cannot attend the graveside service, but please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all - Colette, Mark, Hannah and Austin

WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR GREATEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF NEED



I DO NOT REALLY KNOW MR. SAUNDERS BUT HE WORKED WITH MY HUSBAND AT ARAMARK UNIFORMS SERVICES...AND MY HUSBAND ALL SPOKE KINDLY ABOUT ISHMAEL



THE NEWSOME FAMILY

I Love u Uncle Ishmael~ I'm sorry Aunt Mary for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family

My prayers ring out to my family to be strong during this time. He will be missed.

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I am a friend of Gornelia and Cedric easley.

God Bless.

Our thoughts and prayes goes out to you and your family and may god bless each and everyone of you in your time of need. May time heal all pain and sorry.



Friends of Gornellia & Cedric Easley

We love your guys.

I will miss you so much. You always said we need to get the kids together and I am sorry we never did that. I am sure you, Daddy, and Zena will be having a good time up there. I love you.