Laura Sylvia Saunders

Dr. Laura Sylvia Saunders, 72, passed away peacefully in her Saint George, SC home on Saturday, September 20th, 2025. Born on August 22, 1953, Laura spent her early years in Aiken, SC. She graduated high school in Camden, SC and then went on to receive her Bachelor’s (arts), Master’s (education) and Doctorate (philosophy) degrees from the University of South Carolina. Laura was a natural-born educator, writer and poet. She was passionate about literacy, good books and her students. She had a truly positive and remarkable impact on the lives of countless students. Some of Laura’s most favorite things include reading, writing, music, angels, Pat Conroy, Seabrook Island, her dogs, Biscuit and Buddy, her two best friends, Jackie and Janet, and her family. Dr. Saunders is preceded in death by her father, J.C. Saunders, her mother, Mary F. Saunders, her brother, John Saunders, and her son, Willie Truesdale. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Desandro, son-in-law, Daniel Desandro, daughter, Danielle Welch, grandsons James and John, and her loving aunt and cousins. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Laura’s life on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at 2:00 PM. The service will be held at Simplicity in Ladson, SC. In lieu of flowers, please donate to education on her In Memoriam page located at https://www.donorschoose.org/inmemoriamofdrsaunders