Mary Elizabeth Sanford was born on January 8, 1959 in Troy, Alabama to the late Hazel Sanford and Sam Caper. Mary was called home to the Lord on Friday, February 1, 2019.
Mary was a committed and dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her 3 children, Idele E. Joiner, Tommy E. Lampley, and Lynette C. White; her grandchildren, Dahlia Collier, Anyae Minter, Willie Lawrence III, Tamirah Joiner, and Omariyae White; and great grandchildren, Prince and Peaches. She also leaves behind her siblings, Hazel Jean Sanford, Bobby Sanford, Ethel Baker, Betty Allen, Frank Sanford, Walter Sanford, Martha (Willie) Sanford-Baker, George (Bettie) Sanford, and Rosie (Hassan) Turner; along with a host of nieces and nephews in Indiana and Alabama; and special friends, Sheryl Adams, Antonio Cartagena, Melissa, and her childhood best friend, Trena.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Louise Sanford.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W Moore Chapel; with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.
Lindsey says
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Mary. The passing away of a loved one is always with much sorrow. May we have faith and confidence in the Bible’s promise of a time when pain, sickness and death are a thing of the past (Revelation 21:3, 4). My condolences are with the family at this difficult time.
Pamela & Sean Bennett says
Our prayers are with your family in these sorrow times. Mary will be missed and we were truly blessed to have known her and be apart of her life. When God calls home one of his Angel’s we are left with knowing they are in a good place and we have our memories. RIP Mary.
Sheryl Denise Adams says
God I know we are not supposed to question your doing but, I just can’t help feeling the way I feel. My big sister was my ALL she and I shared so much and she taught me a lot of things. I can never ever repay her for all that she did for me and my boys. I am at a lost for words and I don’t even know how to begin to heal my broken heart. I haven’t felt this pain in my heart since the death of my mom and grandmother. I wish I could have been there with her and comfort her, She was always a rock to others and never ever did she expect things in return. I will miss her laughter and calling me going off about me stressing. I can still hear her calling my name “Shell” never called me Sheryl and my oldest son De’on who was her godson she called him her “Donnie” oh what I wouldn’t give to hear her laugh and us talk for hours about the clients she kept and how crazy it was working at AMAZON. I love you sis and I pray you Rest Easy until we meet again love always your little sis.
Yolanda Paige says
So sorry for the loss she was a beautiful person.prayibg much for the family
Heath Stallsworth says
May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Walletta Priego says
Ms.Mary her name speaks for itself. For the past week I was late to work just trying to deal with the fact that she wasn’t going to be waiting to fuss at me about always running late. She was most definitely a woman full of so much life . Psalms 30:5 Says weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. For the family I am sure it’s hard, but think of the good memories and times that was able to be shared with Ms.Mary . Praying that God gives each and everyone of you peace in the midst of it all.
Liberty Skinner says
Thank you for always being there for me & keeping me strong when I fell like I was going to fall apart. I love you always & miss you all the time!
Stacy Slaven says
I knew it wasn’t going to be anywhere near easy, but last night was especially rough! Then it hit, me like a Mac truck, when I’m gonna miss you the most! So you were on my mind even more the rest of the night, cause I REALLY needed to hear YOUR voice tellin me what you always told me & I stayed and didn’t “let em take my $!” Momma!! You are loved & missed more than any mere words can ever truly convey!! OUR WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!! REST EASY & FLY HIGH DEAR FRIEND!!!
Antonio Cartagena says
You will truly be missed Mary l want to thank you for all the fun times we had together and with the roughriders club. You will always be a part of me in my heart. Enjoy the new life in heaven with all the family and friends that have passed. Good by my love.
Alexis Dodd-Conley says
I am so srry for the loss of your loved one. May the family find peace and comfort in the word. I pray for strength and know that God’s promise is fulfilled.
Deon says
Aunt Mary can’t believe u gone and I couldn’t see you.I remember when I was little you called me “Donnie” Yep that’s the nickname only she called me and after 30 sumthn years I remember.Your spirit is with us still Auntie/God mommy love you and Rest easy and peacefully..😘😘😢
Casandra says
Dear Sanford family:
Take comfort in knowing Mary has the hope of living again in Paradise on earth when there will be no more crime, sickness or death- only peace, righteousness, and perfect health! Jehovah – “the God of all comfort” assures us of this. John 5:28, 29, Psalms 37:9-11 and 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. For more information on what God’s Kingdom will do for mankind please visit http://www.jw.org.
Antoinette Oliver says
Cousin Idele & family you were blessed to have a beautiful mother with a big heart and beautiful smile
I pray you will find peace & comfort knowing she is with God our father in heaven ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼
Tonya Hood says
Mary you will always be remembered. When l first met you, You were kind, funny and good spirited. I didn’t know where you moved to when you left Anderson. You rest on peacefully Mary , no more pain. You will be missed by many.
Cynthia says
From Toney and Cynthia Davenport.
We send our love and condolences to you and Family!
May God’s peace and His presence be with You!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Paul B Smith says
I was trying to convince you to take a flight
You resisted from the fear of heights
I told you I would fly with you to wherever you like
You smiled and laughed like “maybe I might”
Not now, maybe later
I was supposed to make you some wings
Not now, maybe later
As long as they were well seasoned but not too hot that would be your thing
I didn’t get to make them and now you’ve taken flight
One of eternal energy and light
I will cherish your feisty soul, your piercing smile
Now your wings race through the stars and clouds
I shared with you laughter before the trip
I will miss your character, style, and wit
I am grateful for so many things
I love you Miss Mary
I owe you wings.
Mary Collins says
I Pray for Peace and Comfort for the Family of Mary Sanford. May you all console one another as you go through this difficult and emotional time together.
And always remember Sheryl Denise Adams to be Absent from the body is to be Present with the Lord!.
Mary Sanford found her resting place with the Lord. R. I. H 👼
Beverly (Bell) Smith Ellington says
Continue to RIP classmate, class of 1978, Pike County High School, Brundidge, Alabama.
Fran aka Pokey says
My heart is breaking at the realization that you are no longer physically here. I had some of the best times laughing with you “Scary Mary”. You were always ready to hop on your bike and ride, and every ride was an adventure. You were always smiling, I never saw you upset. Your energy was infectious, Mary, you’ll be missed, so much. They’ll never be another you, not down here, but I know you are having a ball up there. Ride easy, spread your wings, and fly…Love you, but I’ll see you again some day. You were a blessing to so many, now, you must change your address, but your memory will never change. Love you, Pokey/RRMC