Rev. Dr. Sandra Carlye Allen Coleman Crockett Mack

Sandra was born to the union of Carl and Willa Allen on September 4, 1941, in Logan, West Virginia. Three years earlier her only living, sibling Robert L. Allen was born in Holder, West Virginia. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, James Paige Jr.

The family moved, West Virginia to Beckley when Sandra was three years old. She entered Morton Reaves Elementary School where she attended through 8th grade. After which she began her membership and was baptized at the Second Baptist Church.

Sandra began the 9th grade at Stratton High School and was chosen as a Majorette for the Stratton Marching Band.  She became head Majorette for three years. She made the mark as one of the “Show Stopping” Majorettes that ever led the band. Many people expressed that they attended the games just to see her perform. She enjoyed performing as a Majorette and carried that style with her as she entered College at West Virginia State University. She graduated with honors from High School and was a member of the National Honor Society, that gained her a full scholarship to West Virginia State University.  At West Virginia State she joined the Majorette Corps and was in competition with colleges from various other states and was very successful in winning. During her tenor at West Virginia State, she was chosen Miss Sophomore and Miss Junior as assistant to Miss West Virginia State. In her senior year she was chosen “Miss West Virginia State University”.

Sandra graduated from West Virginia State University with her Bachelors of Degree and went on to obtain her master’s degree in theology from Payne Seminary at Wilberforce University and United Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.  She received a master’s degree in criminal justice from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and a PHD in Education with Specialty areas in Counseling Psychology and Corrections at the Ohio State University. Sandra went on to work for Job Corps Center and Appalachian Youth Program in Charleston, West Virginia; where she worked President Kennedy’s Team.  She also worked for the Governor of West Virginia. During her stay in West Virginia, she worked with Senator Jennings Randolph who later became the most outstanding US Senator in history. Sandra was blessed to have taught at many universities: Central State University, Mountain State University of Charleston, Springfield Community Hospital School of Nursing, and the Ohio State University.  She worked under 2 Ohio Governors, Governor Celeste as Commission of Ohio Department of Mental Retardation.  Other positions held were Director of Volunteers Services with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. She also taught at Ohio State in the Dresden Program at the Ohio Technical College. She also did psychological testing for the Ohio Industrial Commission.

Sandra was blessed to become a member of the Ohio Parole Board for 14 years where she was responsible for the release consideration for over 65,00 men and women who were housed in Ohio Prison. One of Sandra’s biggest accomplishments was to help start the Hospice program here in Columbus, Ohio. She also taught Business Education to over 500 women and placed them in jobs in the private section, Local, State and Federal Government.

Sandra’s biggest joy was raising her three children, Tyrone, Todd and Thandi. Her love for her grandchildren, Patrick, Julian, Tyanna, Taniyah, Tavin, Ronnell and Mikea. Bobby reached the moon and back. Her love for the students she taught at Central State University was unlimited.

Sandra was preceded in death by her mother; Willa Paige, father; Carl Allen and stepfather; James Paige, Jr.

Left to cherish her memories are her loving children, sons; Tyrone Coleman and Todd Coleman, daughter; Thandi Crockett, stepdaughters; Mekelle and Monesha as well as a host of other relatives and special friends.

Visitation 1:00 PM, Omega Omega Service 1:30 PM, Memorial Service 2:00 PM Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Mt. Vernon AME Church, 1127 Mt. Vernon Ave. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. LIVINGSTON AVE.

You can view the service (via livestream) at Mt. Vernon AME Church Facebook Page.