Sylvia Williams-Saunders

Sylvia “Missy” Williams Saunders was born on April 5, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, to Harry
Williams Sr. and Margaret Williams. She was the fourth child in a vibrant and loving family.
Preceding her in death were her parents and siblings: Tye, Harry Jr., Tyrone, Andre, Patricia,
Felicia, and Lisa—each of whom she carried in her heart every day.
Missy attended 117 Middle School in Brooklyn and graduated from Walton High School in the
Bronx. Shortly after graduation, she briefly joined the U.S. Army, but her heart led her in a
different direction—toward caring for children. That same compassionate spirit guided her
career as a teacher’s aide for the New York City Department of Education, where she nurtured
countless young lives with patience and kindness. Though her work was cut short due to an
injury, her impact lasted a lifetime.
Missy was a mother in every way that mattered. Though she had no biological children, she
lovingly helped raise her sister’s children—Shelly, James, and Corey—as if they were her own.
She created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love, where every child was safe, every
need was met, and everyone felt seen.
In June 2001, she married the love of her life, Robbie Saunders, after many years of partnership
and devotion. Together, they shared a bond that inspired those around them. In retirement, they
moved to Richmond, Virginia, where Missy found joy in quiet moments, family visits, and of
course, a good plate of seafood from City Island—her favorite treat when she returned to New
York. She spent Sundays in Richmond at the flea market with her husband selling various goods
and meeting new people.
Missy’s heart belonged to her family. Growing up in Brooklyn, she loved playing handball and
softball with her sisters. The family team—Patty, Felicia, Helen, Cathy, and Tony—was a force to
be reckoned with. Sundays meant handball games in the Bronx with her sister Pat, facing off
against Alex McMillan and his crew. Summers were marked by laughter at big family BBQs in
Pelham Bay Park, reunions in Sumter, South Carolina, and youthful memories at
Youth-in-Action and Church Camp (even if they weren’t always her favorite).
She was elegant and sass rolled into one—a woman who could light up a room with her smile,
who never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and who stood fiercely for those she loved.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her husband Robbie Saunders; Her Step-
father Daniel Spruill; her daughter Shelly Williams and son Corey Williams; her brother Charles

Gilmore (Vanessa Gilmore); sisters Mrs. Terry Swan and Mrs. Annette Brown; her beloved
cousin Eddie Wright; grandchildren Ashaunie, Bashiri, and Cherish; her uncle James Gilmore
(Ernestine); and a host of family and friends who will forever carry her light in their hearts.
One thing we loved the most about Missy is her 5am calls on our birthday, singing Happy
Birthday. She always made it her business to be the first person to call each and every family
member on their birthdays. Sylvia “Missy” Williams Saunders gave love freely, lived life joyfully,
and left this world better than she found it. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

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