Carol "Cookie" Stevens Saunders

Carol "Cookie" Stevens Saunders, age 84, of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Born December 11, 1941, Cookie was a lifelong resident of Hopewell and a beloved member of her community. She graduated from Hopewell High School in 1960 and continued her education at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University), where she attended for two years. On February 24, 1962, she married the love of her life, Charles "Charlie" Saunders, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 45 years until his passing.

Cookie's life was defined by her love of family, her faith, and her deep commitment to education. She dedicated over 25 years to teaching in the Hopewell area, where she made a lasting impact on countless students. Her teaching career included service at First United Methodist, Dupont Elementary School, Carter G. Woodson School, West End Christian School, and Woodlawn Christian School. She was known for her warmth, patience, and genuine care for each child she taught.

Outside of her professional life, Cookie found joy in simple pleasures. She loved painting, tending to her garden, participating in church activities, and spending time at the beach. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, friends, and her pets, who brought her great happiness throughout her life.

Cookie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie Saunders, and her parents, Iris and Thad Stevens.

She is survived by her two children, Ricky Saunders (Karen) and Sandra Coulter (Chris); as well as her four cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Michael, Brett, and Ryan, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life.

Cookie will be remembered for her kind spirit, her dedication to others, and the love she shared so generously with family, friends, students, and her community. Her legacy of compassion and service will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.A celebration of life for Cookie will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 401 N 2nd Ave, Hopewell, VA 23860. A funeral service will follow immediately after the celebration of life. The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to First Baptist Church of Hopewell.