Melissa Saunders May 31, 1971 - August 23, 2021 Obituary Melissa Saunders, 50, of Tampa, FL, passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Tampa General Hospital. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 31, 1971, to Jack and Georgia Frier. She was a graduate of East Bay High school, class of 1989. Melissa married William Saunders on July 5, 2001, and recently celebrated 20 blissful years of marriage. She worked as a project analyst with Spectrum, where she displayed a wonderful knack for solving problems and was greatly loved by her coworkers. Melissa truly lived life to the fullest and found joy in simple pleasures like spending time with her family, chatting with friends, and playing her favorite video games. She was also a regular at Brandon Crossroads Bowl, where she bowled in the Sunday Blenders League. Melissa had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. She was beautiful, independent, and compassionate, with the most heart-warming smile. She is survived by her husband, William Saunders of Tampa, FL; daughter, Erica Pimental of Providence, RI; son, William Saunders Jr.; stepdaughter, Stephanie Saunders; father, Jack Frier of Shelby, NC; stepfather, Rudy Puleo of Gibsonton, FL; brother, Sam Frier and wife Jennifer Bailey; stepsisters, Jennifer Olson and husband Kenneth, Brenda Morgan and husband Randy, Joy Tucker and husband John; stepbrother Donnie McBrayer and wife Heather; nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends. Melissa is preceded in death by her mother, Georgia Puleo; and stepmother, Donna Frier. Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm on September 7th, at Simmons Loop Baptist Church, located at 6610 Simmons Loop, Riverview, FL. Upcoming Events Gathering Celebration of Life Services: Simmons Loop Baptist Church Tuesday, September 7, 2021 3pm 6610 Simmons Loop Riverview, FL 33578