y Standard Examiner Community activist Velma Saunders dies Standard-Examiner staff OGDEN — Community 7 activist Velma Saunders, believed to be the oldest worker in America, died just before 1 p.m. Friday with her daughter by her © . side. Saunders, who cele- -brated her 105th birthday in December, devoted much of her life to helping the community and was instrumental in the creation of the Marshall White Center in down- town Ogden. Velma Eartha Saunders was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Dec. 2, 1909. In 1936, she came to Ogden with husband, Jack, looking for employment. He was a chef for the Union Pacific railroad. Saunders had two children. “She was an amazing woman who... has brought many positive changes to our community,” said Bob Hunter, president and CEO of United Way of Northern Utah. | Saunders, who was black, came to Ogden at a time when segregation was deeply rooted in the culture. Blacks could not use the same drinking foun- — Velma Saunders, 105 as areceptionist from one to three days a week until a few weeks ago. For her 105th birthday, the United Way of North- ern Utah had 105 books — the “Disney-Pixar Story- book Collection” —inscribed with “This book is — agifttoyouinhonorof Velma Saunders,” which they later donated to chil- dren. | : Saunders worked to — help many in her commu- nity. er She helped establish the Marshall White Center after lobbying the Ogden City Council for a youth center, among other projects, for six years. She touched many peo-ple on a personal level as well. | | Sherri Condie Sillitoe said on her Facebook page | that Saunders cut out _ Huggies diaper coupons tains or restrooms, sit in for her when she had her the movie theater balcoson years ago. Saunders nies and could only walk was proud of his accomon one side of the street. — plishments when he was - When she arrived, she inthe Armed Forces. _ would not have been able to use the entrance to the building where she even- tually worked for 33 years. _ Saunders worked as a receptionist for the Weber County Commission from 1966 to 2006. In 2010, Weber County honored Saunders for her service to the community by naming the commis- _Sion’s reception area after TO sa — “My heart is breaking,” Silltoe said. “I lost a friend today. My heart is | also so full thinking of how she touched my life. She was a great lady and wanted to serve others ~ wherever she could.” Silltoe said Weber County is lucky to have been associated with © Saunders and that she would do her best in her future endeavors to folaa ain anc wonderf11]