Vance Franklin Sanford

Published 11:41 pm Thursday, April 8, 2010

Vance Franklin Sanford, 53, passed this life on Sunday morning, April 4, 2010 at South Georgia Medical Center following a lengthy illness.

The fourth child, of Deacon Alfonia and Charlie Mae Lockett Sanford, Vance was born on July 3, 1956 and was raised in Valdosta, Georgia.

A 1974 graduate of Valdosta High School, he started work at an early age with his father at their family-owned, brick-masonry business “Sanford and Sons.” Later, he worked for Dowling Bag Paper Company for a period of 18 years until his health failed. 

Vance accepted Christ at an early age and was a long-time, faithful member of First Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.  In 2004, he was named as an honorary member of the Gospel and Male Choirs.  The following year he became one of the founding members of First Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Brotherhood, an auxiliary committed to improving the church and the surrounding community.

Vance will be forever remembered for his hearty laughter, genuine smile, and encouraging words as he reminded everyone of God’s goodness. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Deacon Alfonia and Charlie Mae Sanford, and his grandmother, Minnie Ceasar.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 33 years, Catherine Raven Sanford; one son, Timothy (Tracy) Sanford of Valdosta, Ga.; three daughters, Kimily Sanford of Lake Park, Ga., Jennifer Sanford (Alexander) of Ft. Washington, Md. and Lakeshia Sanford of Lake Park, Ga.; his grandchildren, Timothy Jr., Travion, and Meahja Sanford, and Tamieka, Kiera, and Kia Vinson; one great-grandson, Antwan; two loving brothers, Alfonia (Gertrude) Sanford Jr., and Anthony (Christine) Sanford both of  Valdosta, Ga.; two devoted sisters,  Linda Sanford of Valdosta, Ga., and Sandra (Luther) Booker of Gainesville, Fl.; four aunts, Pauline Sanford of Oakland, Ca., Gladys Brown and Beverly Johnson of Miami, Fl., and Geraldine (Rev. James) Greene II of Thomasville, Ga.; one uncle, Sam (Carline) Ceasar of Palm Bay, Fl.; father-in-law, Ernest (Gloria) Raven, Sr. of Ft. Myers, Fl.; two brothers-in-law, Harold Raven of St. Paul Mn., and Ernest (Gracie) Raven Jr. of Jasper, Fl.; two sisters-in-law, Glyneise R. Canady (Perry) of Wichita, Ks., and Patricia Raven of Valdosta, Ga.; one special goddaughter, Tammi Fletcher and children Sameer Alexander, Tatiyanna, and Timothy Arnold Jr.; a caring friend, Geadon Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.

Family will receive friends this evening from 6 to 7 p.m. at the chapel of Godfrey Funeral Home, 636 River Street, Valdosta. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from the sanctuary of First Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Albert Lee Barfield will officiate.  Interment will be at Sunset Hill Cemetery.  The body will lie in state from 12-2 p.m. at the church.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28. —  Godfrey Funeral Home LLC.