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JERRELL ELLIS ‘JESS’ SAUNDERS

Jerrell Ellis “Jess” Saunders, 37, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2015.

Jess was born and raised in Hartfield, Va., and recently moved to Mathews, Va., with his wife, Ashley Callis Saunders.

Jess was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved the water, fishing, and working on boats, but most of all he loved his family and friends. Jess loved children, and the happiest moment of his life came with the birth of his baby girl, Emma. Jess’s memories will be forever cherished, and his life will never be forgotten.

Jess was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Milton E. and Lucy Fleet Trimm; maternal grandparents, Clarke T. and Maria V. Richardson, and his mother-in-law, Nan Lee Callis.

He is survived by his wife, Ashley Callis Saunders; his daughter, Emma Elizabeth Saunders; parents, Curt and Genie Saunders; father-in-law, Melvin Callis; brother-in-law, Todd Callis and wife Gina of Saluda; grandmother-in-law, Miriam Callis; brother, Vance Saunders, his wife Meredith and son Austin; sister, Maria Saunders, and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who, throughout the years, all loved, laughed, cried, and played together.

We are thankful for all of love and support we have received from so many people whose lives were touched by Jess. Family and friends attended the visitation at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home in Mathews, from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. A celebration of life was held on Sunday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church in Onemo, Va. A reception followed at Central United Methodist Church in Mathews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made at any Chesapeake Bank branch, or by mail to P.O. Box 1078, Mathews, Va. 23109 for the benefit of Emma Elizabeth Saunders, his baby girl.