Alonzo Ray Saunders was born to Debora Saunders-Carter and Walter Saunders Jr. on December 2, 1975, in Cleveland, OH. He was the youngest of their two children, the oldest being his sister, Vernicia. They grew up with an unshakeable bond, bonded by love, best friends by heart. In addition to the molding from his parents, Alonzo was blessed to have guidance and direction from his stepfather, Herman Carter Sr. (Pops). It was in these years that his love and drive for family formed.

It was apparent early in Alonzo’s life that his bubbly personality and charismatic demeanor would take him far. He had one of the most distinct laughs that you would ever hear. He was an avid Browns fan and could heckle with the best! Lonzo, or “Zo” as many called him, could spark a conversation with anyone. There was never a stranger he met. Alonzo attended school through Cleveland Municipal School District and attended John Hay, where he met many friends. He also attended Cuyahoga Community College where he received his security training.

Alonzo was a family man. He loved spending time with and watching his family grow. Lonzo was blessed with fatherhood from his union to Crystal Mickles (John), in which they had 4 beautiful children together, Alana, Amara, Christian, and Allan, whom he adored and would do anything for. Though their relationship ended, they remained friends and amazing parents to and for their children. On May 11, 2018, Alonzo married the love of his life, Lickico and not only vowed to love her, but grew his family with 4 more children. He didn’t believe in “stepchildren”, he had 8 children that he loved unconditionally. His wife and children were his world. He would spend hours throughout his day talking to them individually and giving his undivided attention. He lived to make their lives a little easier, and still had more love to give to those around him. His parenting didn’t stop in his home. He was a father-figure to his nieces and nephews, always willing to lend an ear, come up with a solution, and provide support. Lonzo loved calling and visiting with his mother, Debora, and would take every opportunity to put a smile on her face. Zo was a lot of things to a lot of people, and before he left you, you were going to hear words of encouragement and that he loved you! He would say, “OWN IT”, and you knew at that point, you had to take accountability.

Lonzo was a dreamer and had aspirations for not only himself, but the whole family. There was nothing he couldn’t do if he believed in it. Alonzo was a jack of many trades, but he was extremely proud of his entrepreneurial endeavors that he and his wife began. He wanted to get a fresh start and relocated to Florida, where he began working to serve troubled youth, in addition to maintaining his business. Being the family man that he was, he came back to Cleveland to be closer to family in time of need. In the time that he had returned, he had begun a career at Cleveland Clinic and relicensed his business in Ohio.

Alonzo was introduced to God at a young age, so the love he gave was pure and a representation of the love God has for us all. In his youth he attended Christian Church of Deliverance under the leadership of Bishop John Harge. As an adult, Alonzo rededicated his life to Christ and became a member of Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, serving proudly as church security. He had no shame in telling people of his love for God and that all things are done according to His will.

The lives that Alonzo touched, the impact that he had, will forever be his legacy. Alonzo went on to glory along with his father, Walter Saunders Jr.; stepfather, Herman Carter Sr.; grandmother, Ethel Mae Keith, and mother of his children, Crystal Mickles.

He leaves to mourn his loss; his wife, Lickico Sims; daughters, Alana Saunders, Amara Saunders, Autumn Howard, Treasure Howard and Mi’Angel; sons, Christian Saunders, Allan Saunders and Jevon Pitmon; grandchildren, Ay’den, LeShaun, Donell, Winter, Summer, Ae’Vonte, and Josiah;  mother, Debora Saunders-Carter; sister, Vernicia Saunders-Floyd (Lavelle); grandmother, Margaret Hart; brother, William Johnson (Angela); eldest cousin, Dorothy Harge; nieces, De’Aija, DeVinah and Sierra Giles; nephews, De’Velle, De’Viagn and De’Veron Floyd, and a host of stepbrothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, loved ones, and friends.