Obituary of Yvonne Saunders- Whitney

Yvonne Saunders Whitney, the youngest of four children of Pearl and Williams Saunders, was born March 5, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland. She passed away on Saturday September 21, 2024, at Autumn Late Healthcare at Oak Manor. Yvonne was 87 years old. A reoccurring theme throughout Yvonne's life was education. She was educated in Baltimore City public schools. She received a B.S. in Education with honors from Coppin State College, M.S. in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a M. A. in Theology form St. Mary's Seminary and University. Yvonne worked for 33 years as a teacher in the Howard County Public Schools and Baltimore City Public Schools. She taught at both Elementary and Middle School levels. She was an active member of her professional organizations, having served on the Board of Directors and as Treasure of the local Teachers Association (HCEA). She was also Chairman of the Board of the local Teachers Credit Union. Yvonne lived a full spiritual life. At Trinity Presbyterian Church (1965), she was involved in a lay ministry that includes serving as an elder, preacher, women's Bible Study teacher and assisting members in identifying and using spiritual gifts. She was honored in 1998 as Woman of the Year by the Presbyterian Women of Trinity. Other accomplishments include: Director of Lay Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County Associate Chaplain at Howard County General Hospital Church Endeavor Award from Negro Business and Professional Women's Club Elected Vice Moderator of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Baltimore. In 1958, Yvonne would meet the man that became her life partner, Leon. They courted, fell in love and were married in February 1959. Their marriage lasted 55 years, up to the passing of Leon in 2014. They had two sons, Wayne and Wade. Yvonne was a devoted wife and mother. She was a natural leader at school, church or in the community. She had a thirst for new experiences and knowledge. She enjoyed music, travel and cooking. Yvonne was preceded in death by her mother and father, Pearl and William Saunders: her older brothers and sisters, Gladys, Bernice and Oliver. Yvonne leaves to cherish her memory her sons Wayne and Wade, daughter in law Monta, her grandson Jared. Nieces Karen and Sharon, Nephews Henry and Mark. Many Cousins and a host of friends.