Minnie M. (Pipkin) Saunders

Minnie Mouse, Mouse, Min, Min Min, Mousey, Minnie Mae, Momma Minnie, Ms. Minnie, Mom: Minnie Mae Saunders was known by many names but her most important title was a child of God who is a mother. Minnie was born August 9th , 1939, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the youngest of 6 children to the late Seneca Pipkin and Jessie Lee Pipkin. Her siblings all preceded her in death: Dee Dee, Pearl, Rosa Lee, Jessie Mae, and Seneca Jr. Minnie attended Pittsburgh Public Schools and graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1953. After graduation, she worked various jobs, but her position at the University of Pittsburgh Dental School allowed her to retire comfortably and provide her children with tuition-free education. While Minnie regretted not following her father's advice to attend college and become a teacher; however, had she attended college, she would have never met her beloved Rue Rue. Minnie Mae Pipkin went on a blind-date with the very handsome Nathaniel Rudolph Saunders Jr. aka Rudy or as Minnie always called him Rue. The blind date went very well because Rudy and Minnie were married for 53 glorious years. The authors took liberties in stating “glorious” but that is how the authors interpret 53 years which just mean they made many sacrifices and compromises. With their union, Rudy and Minnie have 3 awesome and wonderful children: Sharon (James, decease), Nathaniel R. III (Deirdre), and Marisha (Trelaine). Rudy preceded Minnie in death. Also, the two of them have multiple grandchildren: Erika, Jason (decease), Maurice, Dazjah, Nathaniel R. IV, Aniysa, and Amari; great-grandchildren: Joshuah, Mar'je, Mar'nae, and Jaylon (decease). Minnie was the spiritual leader of the family. Before she made a spiritual commitment to our Lord and Savior, she sent her three children to the neighborhood church, St. Paul Baptist Church. With the multiple activities involving her children at the church, Minnie started attending church and eventually gave her life to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Minnie served in multiple committees at the church; she was a member of the Usher Board, the Women’s Ministry, the Deaconess Board and wherever help was needed. Minnie became a member of Calvary Baptist Church and attended regularly until she was unable to attend due to physical limitations. Minnie had a very good relationship with her in-laws: Billy (decease), Eddie, Al, Laura, and Tiny. She also has a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that will miss her dearly. The Love of God was exhibited through Minnie everywhere she went; the first encounter at the grocery store or just daily encouragement to her children and husband. Minnie’s superb personality, beautiful smile and gift of love we will always remember.

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