Bernice Vandalia Kilson Saunders

Bernice Vandalia Kilson-Saunders, age 77, was born on July 23, 1943, in Massey, Maryland, to the late Lester Odis Kilson and the Late Florence Virginia Pinckney-Kilson. She passed peacefully from this life the morning of June 2, 2021, after a gradual decline in health, surrounded by her children. Bernice graduated from Louis L. Redding High School, in Middletown, Delaware. She worked for The University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware and MOT Community Center, in Middletown, Delaware for 12 years, Watson School Bus Company, Townsend, Delaware for three years and Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna, Delaware, for two years. After retiring, she opened a children’s daycare in her home for six years; Adult Foster Care for two years; and Children Foster Care for three years. She played the piano for over 50 years at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Ringgold Chapel, Middletown, Delaware and Ebernezer UAME Church, Concord, Maryland. Bernice was a member of the Middletown Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Bernice gave her time crocheting water-proof mats, hats, and slippers for the homeless and those in need. She attended the M. O. T. Senior Center and volunteered there as well. Bernice always helped others and never spoke ill of anyone. She helped to raised her grand-children and her great-grandchildren. Her favorite hymn was One Day at a Time and her favorite Psalm was Psalm 23. Bernice was united in holy matrimony to Junius Saunders and was blessed with four children, Bernice “Dernie” Saunders, Sherry Saunders, Rudolph “Genie” Saunders Brower (Ervin) and Junius “Junebug” Saunders. In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her brothers, Rudolph “Gene” Kilson, Pinckney “PC” Kilson; and grandson, Ervin Kendale Brower. Bernice leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Junius Saunders; 6 brothers and sisters: Odis Kilson, Sterling “Sonny” Backus, Florence Young, Levin DeShields, Maryjo Smith, Virgil Kilson, Anita Medley, George Medley and Michael Medley 4 children: Bernice V. Saunders, Sherry S. Saunders; Rudolph E. K. Saunders-Brower (Ervin) and Junius U. Saunders, Sr. 11 grandchildren: Tyson Saunders, Shawvana Reyes (Eumir), Sherrelle Saunders (Michael Watkins), DaJuan Saunders, Geneen Whilby; Dionne Moore, Dashia Saunders, Asher Coleman, Junius Saunders Jr., Jamiroquai Malloy, Kobe Thayer and Jun’ia Saunders 12 great-grandchildren: Aiyanna, Jarin, Shaniya, Shareya, Alexandra, Ivan, Ivana, Ervin, Gianna, Greg, Kaylee, Eric, Jr. and Prisma and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bernice Vandalia Kilson Saunders

July 23, 1943 - June 2, 2021