Sandra Valeria Sanders-West

Sandra Valeria Sanders-West was born on November 18, 1946 to Dorothy and the late Norman C. Sanders, Sr. in Raleigh, North Carolina. Sandra transitioned in a threshold season between hope and love surrounded by her husband and children on November 23, 2023.
Raised in a Christian home, Sandra gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at  Martin Street Baptist Church in Raleigh. She participated in many activities in the church and  could often be found playing the piano and organ during church services.  
Sandra attended Saint Monica’s Catholic School and later graduated from J.W. Ligon High  School in 1963. Following graduation, she attended Saint Augustine’s College (University) to  study French. During her studies, she was blessed to travel to France to study at the University  of Sorbonne. Sandra also received the Master of Art in French literature at San Francisco State  University.
Soon after moving to California, she met the love of her life, William Jerrold (Jerry) West.  Sandra and Jerry married on August 9, 1975. To this union were born three children who were  the center of her life. The family were faithful members of Epworth United Methodist Church  in Berkeley, California.
Sandra established the “Silc de Soleil” program to promote French language and culture.  She served as a Neighborhood Services Coordinator  for the City of Oakland. Her service to the community touched the lives of many citizens in  Oakland neighborhoods.
Sandra received her Master  of Divinity Degree from Pacific School of Religion in May of 2013 and was appointed to pastor Vallejo First United Methodist Church.  She retired from her service at Vallejo First United Methodist Church in 2021.
With her engaging and outgoing personality, Sandra gained many friendships and lifetime  bonds, here and abroad. Her proudest honor was being “Gigi” to her grandchild, Glory.
She leaves to honor her precious memory; her husband of 48 years, William J. West (Jerry) of  the home; son, William Justin West of Los Angeles, CA; daughters, Alexandra Susan West  and Alison Claire West of Oakland, CA; grandchild, Glory West; her mother, Dorothy P.  Sanders of Raleigh, NC; Brothers, Norman C. Sanders, Jr. (Evelyn) of Winston-Salem, NC;  Aaron Sanders (Linda) of Berlin, NJ and Donald Sanders of Lincoln, NE; Sister, Stephanie  Sanders of Raleigh, NC and a multitude of family and friends. 

Funeral service at 12:oo noon Friday December 8, 2023 at the C.A. Haywood, Sr. memorial Chapel preceded by an 11:30 AM visitation.  Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

****service will be live streamed****

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