Barbara Saunders-Ellis was born on March 25, 1952, in Wilmington, Delaware to parents Rosa Lee Hollis and Harvey "Stump" Johnson. She moved to Tampa, Fl as a teenager, raised by Willie Lee Lewis and Helen D. Lewis who instilled Christian values at an early age. Barbara was very proud of her three sons, Robert Saunders (Crystal), JaVan Jones (Stacey), and JaVon (Larissa), and always affectionately bragged to her friends. Even though Barbara was miles away from her grandchildren (Jessica DePalma, Dariele Rice (Brandon), Jibri and Mekhi Hollis, Vaneja and Madison Jones), she was always connected with their lives through her sons. She would reflect on similarities that she shared with them, like how Vaneja and Madison resembled her, and would share her visions for their career pathway. She loved to hear their stories and could talk about them for hours. These were her precious moments as she cherished these times in her later years. Barbara worked for Tampa Seafood Company, American Can Company, and ultimately retired from Honeywell. Her walk of faith began at St. Paul U. A.M.E.Church in Wilmington, where she discovered her love for singing with the Delaware Junior Stars of Faith. She was also a longtime member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and served on the choir. Although she did not have a local church home, Barbara loved God and honored His Word. She was a faithful virtual congregant of the Potter's House. She spent quality time in the Word and would always give a word in due season to anyone who needed encouragement. She was an avid fan of Joseph Prince Ministries and loved his sermons on redemption. During the week, Babara stayed connected to CNN, often sharing her "conspiracy" views with her sons, and in the evening, she would enjoy a good movie. Anyone who knew Barbara knew that she took great pride in her appearance! She would not leave home without her make-up on and a fashionable outfit, she was a true lady and fashionista. In addition to the aforementioned immediate family, Barbara leaves to cherish her sisters, Frances Ann Bell, Crystal Hollis, close cousin, Priscilla Ringgold; and devoted niece, Credella "Voni" Hart. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. Barbara was preceded in death by her biological parents, Rosa Lee Hollis and Harvey "Stump" Johnson; parents, Willie Lee and Helen Lewis, sisters, Credella Jones, Patricia Hollis, and Diane Hollis.