Sandrie G Gantt

Sandrie Geraldine Gantt, “Sandy” as she was affectionately known was born October 27, 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland to Boysie E. Ash and Geraldine D. Ash. Sandy was the second of eight children; five boys and three girls. Sandy was raised Catholic and attended the Historic St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (CYO). She enjoyed all the activities of the CYO and she often shared memories of attending church every Sunday. Sandy attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School and after graduation she became a licensed cosmetologist. Always a “go-getter” she attended Baltimore City College majoring in Early Childhood Education and furthered her educational endeavors at Stayer Business School. Always on the move to improve, Sandy received her Nursing Certification in addition to being employed for 36 faithful years at the Department of Social Services for the State of Maryland. She was always working, and she would proudly share how she worked on Saturdays too with our mother; that’s what “big sisters do”! Sandy loved life and her position in the family as the “big sister”. She was the epitome of a “boss babe” full of joy, vibrant and an exceptional host. She loved planning family gatherings and there was always lots of food, music, singing and dancing. Our family experienced live music with giant speakers and a microphone well before karaoke! She loved jazz and was especially proud of memories when she sang “Bye, Bye Black Bird” with her father and a live band! Proud of our family heritage with the Late Great Blues Singer Billie Holiday; Sandy posed for the bronze tribute statue of Billie Holiday located on Pennsylvania Ave. in Baltimore, Maryland. Full of life, Sandy loved the beach more than anything! She would often leave work and drive straight to the beach for a swim. Sandy was a great aunt; everyone will treasure her carloads of kids to the beach and her most recent “nephew’s party”. Truly her brother’s and sister’s keeper; she had a champion spirit surviving cancer and fearless through the pandemic driving all over Baltimore delivering food! Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Boysie Ash and Geraldine Ash; brothers Boysie, Gregory, Wade and Wilbert “Buttons” and survived by her brother Gary “Dexter” and sisters Sheila, Mary, Lillian, Rosalyn and Ebony; sister in-law Joan, brother in-law Richard a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and friends. And her devoted best friend Jerry.

Tributes

Sandrie G Gantt

September 27, 1946 - September 13, 2023