Mary Lois Abel Saunders, 89, passed from this life on earth, Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi following a brief illness. She was a faithful follower of Christ, a loving wife, mother of five sons; loved and treasured by many people. Lois was born near Elliot, Mississippi to the late WIlliam Elijah Abel and Ayleen Pittman Abel on December 27, 1927. Following graduation from Grenada High School in 1945, she received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Millsaps College in 1948 and an associates degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University in 1952. She later received a Masters Degree in Special Education from Mississippi State University in 1964. She was married to the late James Dewitt Saunders. She began her teaching career in Florida, moving to Georgia and then back home to Mississippi. She taught special education in Greenwood and Leland and helped to establish some of the first special education programs in the Mississippi Delta. While raising her family in Greenville, she taught second and third grade, and completed a 40-year teaching career. She taught throughout Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi and although she retired in 1990, the teacher in her never actually ceased! Lois had a special heart for children and throughout her life, actively supported activities which promoted their well being. Her former students, whose lives she touched and shaped, recognized and loved her throughout her life. . Lois resided in Duck Hill for the last 27 years; returning following the death of her husband in 1990 and continued to enrich the lives of those around her with her generous and loving spirit. She was an active member of Duck Hill Baptist Church and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She blessed many people with her gifts as a talented storyteller, cook, teacher, and friend. Lois was preceded in death by husband, Buddy, her parents, William and Ayleen Abel, her sister; Sara Abel Bohannan and her brother, WIlliam Elijah Abel Jr. She is survived by sons, Jim Saunders of Huntsville, Alabama, Steve Saunders (Donna) of Vicksburg, Mississippi; Chuck Saunders (Kristy) of Coldwater, Mississippi; Randy Saunders of Duck Hill, Mississippi; Mark Saunders (Stephanie) of Madison, Mississippi; fifteen grandchildren, James, Sullivan, Tracy, Greg (Lynn), Will, Jon (Katie), Steven (Jessi), Leigh, Shannon (Daniel), Jamie, Brandi, Hunter, Marisa, London, and Parker; and seventeen great-grandchildren; Grace, Zoe, Maggie, Bella, Jacob, Annabeth, Cobbey, Halley, Sarah, Sophie, Sadie, Gracie, Bethany, Lesleigh, Mia, Blake, and Emma. She is also survived by her sister, Beulah E. Abel of Duck Hill, Mississippi with whom she shared their family home for her last 27 years. Beulah was not only her big sister, but also her inseparable companion. The family wishes to thank the staffs at UMMC, Baptist Hospital, and Wisteria Gardens for the professionalism and care they showed to Lois during her stay. Visitation will be Friday, January 13, 2017 at Duck Hill Baptist Church, Duck Hill, MIssissippi, from 10:00 - 11:00 am., followed by funeral services at 11:00 am. Brother Tim Buchanan officiating. A private graveside service will be held immediately following at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery, Grenada, Mississippi. Pallbearers are Will Abel, Greg Breeden, James Saunders, Will Saunders, Jon Saunders, Steven Saunders, Hunter Saunders, and Jacob Breeden. Honorary pallbearers are Gerald Abel, Bill Abel, Marvin Abel Jr., John Laster, Johnny McCormick, and Charles Holmes. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to: The Haney- Saunders Endowed Scholarship in Special Education , MSU Foundation P.O. Box 6149 Mississippi State, Ms 39762. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).