Leilani Kay Saunders

Memorial services for Leilani Kay Saunders, 59, Sulphur, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 19, at the Faith Center Church with Pastor Craig Lemley officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur.

Leilana was born on December 7, 1963 in Orange County, CA to Albert Nason Saunders and Sharon Rae (Nickel) Saunders.

She passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Shawnee She moved to Sulphur, in 1977, where she lived most of her life.

She graduated from Sulphur High School in 1983 and attended East Central University in Ada, She was a member of Faith Center Church.

Lani’s first job was at Archie’s Cafe, she later worked as a nanny and eventually at the Pauls Valley State School. Her love for people made her perfect for this job. She loved her clients and enjoyed taking them to festivals and other outings. Lani became a foster parent in 1997 and realized her dream of being a mom. Her greatest accomplishment was her children, Lacey Dawn and Damian James, but her greatest joy were her grandchildren. Lani loved animals of all kinds, she had many different pets over the years including her first pet, a monkey, hermit crabs, hedgehogs, rats and of course many dogs and cats. She was happiest when serving, she loved to cook for others and make little gift baskets for all the holidays for the children in her life. She loved her church family and always helped with any project that was going on.

Leilani was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Sharon Nickel Saunders Graves and her step-dad, Bob Graves.

Leilani is survived by her dad, Albert and wife Gerry of Florida; four brothers, Jeff Saunders and wife Pam of Sulphur, Robert Graves of Sulphur, Joey Saunders and wife Elisha of North Carolina and James Saunders and wife Bonnie of Florida; two sisters, Shannan and husband Jessie Collier of Florida, Heather and husband Pawley Thomas of North Carolina; daughter, Lacey and husband Justin Quinten of Sulphur; son, Damian Saunders of Sulphur three granddaughters; Kamree, Maelee, Huntlee and one greatgrandson, Langston.

Online condolences may be sent to www.dearmanfuneralhome.com