"Ninure" Dawn Saunders, a deeply religious Chicagoan who had friends around the world through the church, passed away March 31 after a long illness. She was 61.
Saunders, born in Great Lakes and raised in Chicago, was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 2335 N. Orchard, in Chicago. She had been a longtime member and deacon at Good Shepherd Parish MCC, which was the first MCC congregation outside of California. Originally from the south side of Chicago, Saunders lived most recently in Lincoln Park.
"My sister was a very warm, good-hearted person who was very much about promoting the struggles of individuals—be it because of their sexual orientation, civil rights, or other reasons … anything she believed was unjust," said Kimberly Saunders Jackson, her younger sister. "She was a very strong female, a leader, a mentor. She had a very strong Christian spirit. She was a beacon of life for so many others."
Saunders was a "strong advocate for gay rights," Jackson said.
Saunders was openly gay.
"She was very outgoing, a people-person," Jackson said. "If there was a stranger around, my sister would be the one to reach out and introduce herself."
Jackson said Saunders was "funny, with a great sense of humor." Saunders also was "very well-read." Though she was legally blind her whole life, Saunders did extensive reading and moved to audio books in recent years, Jackson said.
Saunders also was very keen to current events and was computer savvy.
"She was a go-getter," Jackson said.
She had other siblings, too.
Rick Garcia, of Chicago, said Saunders' "passion, commitment and strength encouraged so many and it made our gains possible."
Michael Mosier, of Cicero, friends with Saunders for 18 years, recalled that Saunders told him that, when she was younger, she was "a hippy and an activist."
Saunders also was active in the leather community, Mosier said, and she was for years involved with a church service at the annual IML.
"She was someone you could talk to about anything and she wasn't judgmental." Mosier said.
Saunders' Facebook page was flooded with condolences from around the world.
Kimberley Edwards, who lives in Los Angeles, wrote that Saunders was "a kind, loving, spirited, creative and funny soul."
Kit Duffy of Chicago said, "All of us who worked hard with her to bring equality to Chicago's LGBTQ community honor her for her courage and spirit, and for the gentle love she unfailingly brought to the struggle no matter how hard and ugly it got. Ninure, you made a difference in our world."
John Clapton, who lives in Australia, wrote, "Long live da hippie. A fellow traveler from Down Under honors your grace and dignity through these last difficult days. May those who gather to honor you soon be blessed again as they remember you."
Stephen Harte wrote from Greece, "Sad to hear of your passing Ninure. You lived life fully and made a difference. The world is better for your ministry."
Charles May of Chicago added, "What else can be said about a woman who wore clerical shirts in liturgical colors with matching turban, but accessorized it with a sport coat having a leather pride flag and pair of handcuffs as lapel pins. You were one of a kind my friend, and the world is a less colorful place now that you have gone."
A memorial service is scheduled for April 25 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 2335 N. Orchard, in Chicago, starting at 2 p.m.
