Maude Saunders was born in DeFuniak Springs on June 24, 1885. She spent most of her career teaching science and Latin at Walton High School and was promoted to principal. When she retired, mayor Stealey M. Preacher honored her by proclaiming June 30, 1955, as “Miss Maude Saunders Day.” She died on September 7, 1964, at the age of 79. The first Walton High School was converted to an elementary school in 1916 and was named in her honor. The Maude Saunders Elementary School was used until 1955. Another elementary school in DeFuniak Springs is now named for her.
Maude Saunders was active within her community. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of DeFuniak Springs, the DeFuniak Springs Women’s Club, the Garden Club, the Retired Teachers’ Association, the DeFuniak Springs Pilot Club and Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teaching sorority.
Obituary: The Pensacola News, September 9, 1964, Page 2.
Burial: Magnolia Cemetery, DeFuniak Springs