Lois Nelson Saunders

GREENVILLE, NC - Lois Lucille Nelson Saunders, 93, formerly of Aulander, NC, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in Greenville.
Lois was born on June 12, 1932. She was predeceased by her parents, Stacey Gordon Nelson and Harriet Burch Felton Nelson, and by her beloved husband of 67 years, Dr. J. Fred Saunders. She grew up in Beaufort, NC and briefly lived in the historic "Hammock House", learning how to swim in Taylor's Creek, a place she cherished and remembered fondly.
At age ten, her father's purchase of the Aulander Pharmacy led the family to move next door to the Saunders family, a move that foretold her life story, as it was there that Fred and Lois spent countless hours on the front steps. Simpler times where bonds grew and flourished. Following Lois's graduation from Women's College (now UNC–Greensboro) with a teaching degree, and Fred completing medical school at UNC, they married on her 22nd birthday.
As newlyweds, Fred enlisted and served in Inchon, Korea, while Lois taught school and awaited his safe return. They settled in Aulander, where Fred began his solo family medical practice. As a mother of three and a supportive wife of a country doctor, her role was more than full-time as her husband was often working long hours.
A lover of sports and the outdoors, Lois played high school basketball, enjoyed tennis, and was an avid water skier. In the summer months, she loved nothing more than long swims in the Chowan River, relaxing on the pier with family and friends, or getting lost in a good book.
Lois is survived by her three children: Suzanne Woolard (John) of Kill Devil Hills, Hope Hackler (Tom) of Wilmington, and Jay Fred Saunders, Jr. (Linda) of Kill Devil Hills. She was especially proud of her four grandchildren and their families: John Woolard III (Caroline), Sheldon Woolard Peebles (Alex), Helen Woolard Powell (Jesse), and Powell Hackler (Janet), as well as her eight great-grandchildren. Her love of family will live on in each of them.
The family expresses deep gratitude to the entire staff at Cypress Glen Retirement Community, Hospice House in Greenville, and especially to Sue Conyers for her many years of friendship and dedication to both Lois and Fred.
A private family graveside service will be held on January 24, 2026. Memorial contributions may be made directly to the Cypress Glen Benevolent Fund, 100 Hickory St, Greenville, NC 27858, or online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling arrangements for the family. For condolences, please visit http://www.garrettsykesfs.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lois Nelson Saunders, please visit our floral store.To make a memorial donation, please visit the donations section of this obituary.