Saundra D. Avery

Our beloved, Sandra Denise Avery, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 8, 1953 to the late Roosevelt and Jeanette Noel. Sandra was the 2nd eldest of six siblings. Although the second eldest, Sandra was a feisty and take-charge girl, who started out early establishing herself as the "Boss" of mostly everything and everybody that she came across, with love! Sandra was educated in the Baltimore City School System and attended Frederick Douglas High School and Baltimore City College. Her love of God was instilled in her by her mother as an adolescent and was evident throughout her life. She was a devout Christian and devoted member of the Jehovah Witness faith. She enjoyed attending the Kingdom Hall services weekly at her Columbia, Maryland congregation and enjoyed fellowship with her Jehovah Witness spiritual brothers and sisters until prevented by ongoing health issues. Her life was a living example of a great Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 - "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God forgave you in Christ." As a teen, Sandra had various jobs. As an adult, she worked for the Baltimore City School System and retired with over 20 years of dedicated service. During her over 20-year tenure, Sandra received multiple awards and accolades. She started a single grandparent program to help grandparents that were raising their grandchildren. She ensured food and clothing were available for those in need. Sandra lovingly assumed another job raising four of her own grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as "Ma." She worked tirelessly to ensure that regardless of the circumstances her grandchildren were well taken care of. Cooking was Sandra's true calling and greatest passion. She will always be known for her exceptional cooking gifts and talent, as she was the de-facto "Family Cook." You could always count on Sandra to prepare a great meal for any occasion. Her Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese and assortment of other delicious soul-food specialties were traditional at all family gatherings, cookouts, graduation parties and weddings. Sandra's second favorite pastime was Giving, it was part of her DNA. She loved people, especially her family. Sandra was always willing to help friends, family and even strangers under any circumstances. She would often throw gatherings at her home and provide presents, giftbags and money for all that attended. If someone were unable to attend, she would save you a gift and a plate of food. Sandra had a unique and unshakeable bond with her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren could do no wrong in her eyes. No matter how dire circumstances were, her children and grandchildren always came first. Over the past few years, Sandra endured numerous health issues, which led to additional medical complications and ultimately her demise. However, she continued to bravely fight and never lost her zest for life. Sandra's legacy will live on forever as she leaves behind a very loving family that she was very proud of. Sandra was preceded in death by her loving parents, Jeannette and Roosevelt Noel, and dedicated sister Deborah Hargis. Sandra is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Phillip Avery; Her cherished children, Tyrone Noel, Terrance Avery and Tenay Avery; Treasured grandchildren, Shondre Noel, Dekwonte Avery, Deshay Avery, Nayeem Avery, Tyrielle Noel, Paris Avery, Caron (Rocky) Noel, Kyjeriah Willis and Jalil Willis; dearest brothers and sisters, Roosevelt (Tony) Noel and wife Sherry, Beverly Noel, Valerie Lomax and husband Lester, Timothy Noel Sr. and wife Monzella (Penny); plus 6 grandchildren and her many beloved nieces and nephews. Sandra also shared a special bond with her Cobb, Simmons and Noel cousins, other relatives and host of friends. All of these she loved and touched deeply. Additional, Sandra also had a very special place in her heart for her amazing lifelong best friends "Mamie" and "Calpurnia (Cal)". During the past years, due to her worsening condition, she had lost contact with both, fortunately a few months before her passing, she was able to re-connect with Cal, although the conversation was short, they sounded like two 12-year old schoolgirls, she was truly happy. Winnie the Pooh once stated "If you live to be a hundred, I hope I live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." Sandra, your pain or suffering are no more.

Tributes

Saundra D. Avery

August 8, 1953 - December 12, 2020