Eleanor Katherine Sanford

Eleanor Katherine Sanford passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 7, 2020. She was lovingly known as “Mama” to all 10 kids, 160 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great -great grandchildren. In her camp there were no Indians, we were all CHIEFS! Mama loved knowing her family moved as a unit on one accord. Everyone who met her was drawn to her strength and love. Strangers would trust her immediately by opening up to her with their challenges and life stories with comfort and wanted to be a part of the family. Eleanor was born on March 03, 1946.

Eleanor was proceeded in death by her parents George and Catharine (Honey) Powell, husband James T. Sanford, Jr., her children: Helena Jenkins, Jeremiah (Uncleman) Sanford, and Sandy Sanford; her grandson Ricardo (Cardi) Smith, and Great-grandson Ricardo (Mannie)Mills; and her siblings George Powell, Jr., Ozella Neal, Helena Taylor, Phillip Powell, Luther Powell, Joseph Powell, Rocky Powell, and Jacqueline Williams.

Eleanor leaves to cherish her memory her siblings: Arthur Powell and Arletta Noble; her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren (see list).
Eleanor will be most remembered for her loving encouragement. She created a welcoming home and had the spirit of acceptance. So much knowledge was gained from her over conversations around the dinner table and in those most trusted private moments as well. Eleanor made everyone stronger, better and wiser, devoting her entire life to her children. She was the rock of the family and the go-to person for everything.

Eleanor wore many hats. She was a chef, making everything from scratch and with love. She was a caregiver to many, a nurturer, a nurse. Eleanor was also very passionate about always doing the right thing and she looked for the best in people and would tirelessly fight for justice at all costs. She often joked that if she had not have been blessed with her own children, she would have been a Black Panther so she raised us to be strong and love one another.

Eleanor was also a counselor, a mediator, a teacher and a prayer warrior. Her greatest legacy came from her faith as she loved and trusted the Lord and taught her family to do the same. Eleanor made sure to pour Jesus into people so that when they came in contact with her, they left her presence knowing that they were stronger and wiser. Mama was LOADED with Godly wisdom.
Mama will be missed by so many. The entire family will ensure to carry on her life’s work: staying strong, sticking together and loving each other.

Eleanor met her husband James Sanford in 1958, fell in love, married and together created the Sanford dynasty.

“Who rocked the house, the Sanford’s rock the house and when the Sanford’s rock the house, they rock it all the way, all the way, all the way DOWN!!”

Public Visitation 5-7:00pm Friday, December 18, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.

Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Victory Deliverance Church, 1718 Myrtle Ave.

Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.