Saundra Green
Saundra Leslie Green, through discomfort and pain, still kept her warm smile and God said, “come home my child, come home”. Her brave year-and-a-half battle with cancer ended April 11, 2014.
She was born and raised in Chattanooga, the oldest of four daughters born to Ophelia and Marion Leslie. She was preceded in death by her father, Marion G. Leslie in February 2014.
Saundra, a graduate of Howard High School Class of 1958, possessed a warm heart, an outstanding personality and deep love and devotion for her family. Saundra was named “Ms. Personality” by the Coca-Cola Company in Jr. High School. She toured many historical places, and met many famous leaders and celebrities (Dr. Ralph Bunche, Nat King Cole, and she was a guest on the Eddie Fisher Show). That same outstanding personality was shared through her years at Howard High School, where she was actively involved in school activities, productions and admired by both teachers and classmates.
Saundra entered TSU in the fall of 1958, where she continued to be known for her warm personality, her commitment to academic achievement and creative community involvement. Saundra was a scholar and a majorette in the TSU Marching 100 Band. She continued to travel and met outstanding community leaders. One campus leader whom she met at TSU became her future husband, Larry Green, president of the 1959 graduating class and other campus organizations. Larry was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force at graduation. Larry is a retired U. S. Army Colonel. Saundra and Larry, married 52 years, traveled the world with their two children, Traci and Scott.
Upon graduating from TSU, Saundra brought the same warmth, sensitivity, and beauty not just to her family, but to a larger community, and to the world. An active community participant, Saundra set high standards for community and school involvement. Her community organizations in the varied communities in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Kansas, North Carolina, and Stuttgart, Germany served as models of achievement and excellence, always a model mentor for youth. Saundra led the way in community and school guidance programs, officers wives club programs, and Professor Of Military Science youth programs. She led and set the examples of excellence in community and charity events, including Kiwanis International. Through all of her worldwide travels, Saundra still saved her undeniable skills and talents which will always be a beacon in her role of daughter, sister, mother, and wife.
She leaves to mourn her death, her loving husband, Col. Larry Green and her earthly treasures: daughter, Traci Yvette Green and son, Terrance (Tonya) Scott Green; mother, Ms. Ophelia Leslie; sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane (Gerald) Mason, Adrienne (D’Army) Bailey, Memphis, and Valerie Leslie Brown; aunt, Jimmi Wilks, Boston, Ma.; nieces and nephews, Eric Boyd, Brooke Mason, Madison Boyd, Mignon (Thomas) Kenton, Mia Kenton, Mason Roberson, Dale Mason, Gerald Mason, Jr. all of Chattanooga; Justin Bailey Esq., Merrit Bailey, Memphis, and Drake Boyd, Fort Riley.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 15, at First Baptist Church, E. 8th Street. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until the service begins. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery, gate time 1:30 p.m.
The body will lie in state after noon on Monday, April 14, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.