Nancy Jane Saunders

Nancy Jane Whitworth Saunders, 89, of Bedford passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2018. She was born on October 8, 1928 in Bedford Co., VA. A daughter of the late Phillip Royal Whitworth and Edith Florence Whitworth. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wilkins Alvin Saunders; two brothers, James Phillip Whitworth and John Mark Whitworth and two sisters-in-law, Myrtle Roop Whitworth and Shirley Lee Whitworth.

Nancy was a retired school teacher with 25 years of service to Bedford County. Nancy graduated from Radford College in administration and then received her masters from Lynchburg College. She was a very active member of Thaxton Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and helped with Bible Study Groups. Nancy also loved flowers and was a member of Belmont Garden Club for many years.

Nancy is survived by her sister, Judy Whitworth Breedlove and her husband, William; one nephew, Jonathan Breedlove and his wife, Melissa; one niece, Vickie Whitworth and numerous cousins and many friends.

A Funeral Service will be conducted at 2:00pm on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Tharp Funeral Chapel with Pastor Mark Giganti officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Montvale. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00pm prior to the service at Tharp Funeral Chapel. To send condolences online please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.