Obituary

Erna Elffriede Saunders passed away quietly on Friday, September 13th, 2024, in Tacoma,     Washington. Erna was born to Heinrich and Christiana Tröger on May 14th, 1937, in Hof,  Germany.

Erna met and married Joseph Milton Saunders Jr. while he served in the military. To this union was born one son, Joseph Saunders III, affectionately called Little Joe. Erna and Joe were married on September 5th, 1960, in Hof, Germany. They shared 62 wonderful years together before Joe passed away.

Erna was a devoted wife and loving mother, often referred to as the Church Mother. She had several close friends and     acquaintances, with Sam and Liz Bennett being at the top of the list. They were members of the same church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, for 40 years. The Saunders and the Bennetts were devout Christians, always praying for everyone and   dedicated to God’s work.

Erna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace. Joe Sr. and Little Joe preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memories are her three grand     children, Jada-Jo, D’on, and Jasmine, and three great-grand children. She is also      survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter and Grace Saunders

and John and Barbara Saunders, one niece,

Jacqueline Dillard, and special friends, Reverend Bertha Hall, James Graham, Harris E. Harvey, and her family home caregivers.