Mary Anne Thomas Sanford

MARY ANNE THOMAS SANFORD
 
Mrs. Mary Anne Thomas Sanford, age 81, of Fayette, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at Kirkwood by the River in Birmingham.

A memorial service was held Friday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m. at the Fayette Church of Christ. Burial followed in the Berea Church of Christ Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jon Emory Sanford; her parents, Chester and Eleanor Thomas; and her older sister, Jane Sylvest.

Born November 10, 1940 in Birmingham, Mrs. Sanford attended West End High School and received a Pharmacy degree from Howard College, now Samford University. It was in college that she met her love, Jon, and they married on Sept. 2, 1960. They were married for nearly 60 years.. She worked as a practicing pharmacist for many years and also assisted Dr. Jon in his medical practice as a bookkeeper.

She was a faithful member of the Fayette Church of Christ where she taught children’s and ladies Bible classes for many years, while also supporting the Lord’s work as the wife of an elder. Known as a Christian lady, hostess, and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mrs. Sanford embodied the life of a Proverbs 31 lady.
She is survived by her children, David Sanford (Jane), and Paul Sanford (Donya) of Birmingham and Emily Avery (Tommy) of Fayette. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jon Sanford (Cameron) and Will Sanford (Alyssa), of Birmingham, Mary Grace Whatley (Connor) of Charleston, SC, Dr. Thomas Sanford of Cincinnati, Ohio, Preston Sanford (Hannah), Sarah Neill (Blake), and Sam Sanford, of Birmingham, and Jack Avery and Luke Avery of Fayette. Three beautiful great-grandchildren, Hazel, Smith, and Chloe also carry her legacy.

Grandsons served as pallbearers.

Nelson Funeral Home of Fayette directed.