Rhonda Saunders

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," said the apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21.

We know that this would be the message if our dearly beloved Rhonda Kay were able to give us a message today from the portals of heaven where she has gone to be forever with the Lord.

On May 7, 2026, Rhonda Kay Saunders answered the Master’s call to “Come home” surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 2,1954 in Campbell County, she was the daughter of the late Mr. Hatley and Mrs. Louise Jones.

Through Rhonda’s life journey, she attended Campbell County High School, and shared her beautiful smile with the YMCA and Bausch & Lomb. Rhonda Kay was a faithful member of Silver Grove Baptist Church, where her greatest joy was being a member of the usher board and a member of the Senior Citizens Ministry.

Rhonda leaves behind a legacy of love within her family. She is survived by her devoted daughter Towonda Jones and son Reginald Jones (Shelita),Cynthia Nowlin & James Nowlin III; two dedicated brothers, Harold Jones (Mary) and Edward Jones. The apples of her eyes, her grandchildren, Kaleef Davis, Nadege Elliott, Radayshe Elliott, Aaron Hancock(Dakota), Mark Jones Donte Smith, Zyon Tweedy and Traquan Tweedy. There was so much love for the great-grandchildren, Elora, Liam, Exodus, Alonie, Aziah Hancock, Nehemiah and Mylo Scott and Rylyn Elliott.

Remaining to cherish precious memories are devoted stepson Don Saunders, Jr; stepdaughter, Candice Johnson; three brother-in-laws, Luther Saunders (Patricia), Stanley Saunders (Nina) and Daniel Saunders; sister-in-laws, Ethel Hunt, Barbara Saunders Canada (Warren), Shirley Saunders Jones; two devoted sister-in-laws and cherished friends, Nina Saunders and Evelyn Saunders, and a very devoted friend Linda Williams.

The perfect love story began in September 1997 as Rhonda Kay and Donald Saunders, Sr. were united in marriage.

Rhonda was preceded in death by the love of her life, husband Donald Saunders Sr.; son, Alphonsa Lee Jones, Jr.; sisters and brothers, Barbara Franklin (John), Doris Jean Thomas, Priscilla “Elaine” Saunders Jones, Hatley Jones, Jr (Bud), Lester Jones, Rudolph Jones; father and mother-in-law, Luther and Mary Scott Saunders; brothers-in-law, Robert Saunders, Thomas Saunders; sister-in-law, Geraldine Saunders and Evangline Deane, Francis Wilson and Kathleen Davis.

In honoring the life of Rhonda Kay Jones Saunders, let us remember that smile that cannot be duplicated, her spirit that made everyone want to be in her life. Let us always feel the boundless love that she shared with all of us fortunate enough to be a part of her remarkable journey.

A Visitation will be held at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 6 - 8 PM. A service will be held at Silver Grove Baptist Church on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2 PM.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.