Saundra Efaw

Saundra Sue Efaw, age 80, of Athens, TN, entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on June 22, 2025. She was born on May 9, 1945, in Ohio to the late David and Violet Slone.

Saundra began her career with the United States Postal Service in Florida and, after many dedicated years of service, retired in Tennessee. She was a woman of many talents and simple joys-an accomplished pianist who loved playing country and gospel music, a treasure-hunter at thrift stores, and a gifted baker who delighted in decorating personalized birthday cakes for family and friends.

Known for her warmth and generosity, Saundra had a special gift for making others feel loved. In her younger years, she became famous among her children, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood kids in Florida for her weekend pancake breakfasts. She cherished every moment spent with her siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends, and she served her community with joy as a volunteer for Hearth Hospice in Athens. Above all, Saundra was a devoted believer in Christ whose faith guided her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Violet Slone; brothers, Dan, Stephen, James, and Rick Slone; and her son, Gary Allen.

She is survived by her sisters Charlotte Wethington, Deborah McNulty, Patricia Bond, and Dianne Owen; children Erick Efaw, Frank "Todd" Efaw, Shaunda Efaw, and James (Tonya) Efaw; grandchildren Taylor, Jacob (Stonie), Ethan, Austin (Skyla), Justin, Victoria, Micah, Hether Watson, Roscoe (Sarah Beth) Ruprecht, and Henry Ruprecht; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind her special sister-friend, Alanda Heger, and special children Brooklynn, Kendall, and Carson.

Fulfilling Saundra's wishes, she wanted to be cremated, and her family will gather privately at a later date to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hearth Hospice, Alzheimer's Tennessee, or the Alzheimer's Association.

You are invited to share your memories of Saundra and offer condolences to her family by visiting her memorial page at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service of Athens, TN, and the Cody family are honored to serve the Efaw family during this time.