Sandra Cox Brown

August 23, 1948 – March 23, 2024

Sandra Cox Brown, born on August 23, 1948, in Washington, DC, to Alma Ruth Greene and Arthur Turner Wade, passed away on March 23, 2024. Raised with boundless love by her grandparents, Sarah and Harold Cox, in Jefferson Heights, Maryland, Sandra's formative years were enriched by the wisdom and nurturing care of her grandmother, Mrs. Cox.

From a young age, Sandra's intellectual curiosity blossomed under the guidance of her industrious grandmother, fostering a deep love for reading and gardening. By the second grade, Sandra was already devouring books well beyond her years, a testament to her thirst for knowledge and learning. She was an avid reader and lived by the adage "learning is for a lifetime."

Sandra attended Fairmont Heights High School, where she immersed herself in her academic studies. Later, she pursued her passion for Spanish Education at American University in Washington, DC, where she graduated having also studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. Her journey into education as a teacher began within the Prince George's County Public School System. She eventually pivoted into the Library Sciences, becoming a librarian in the Winston Salem Forsyth County School System, primarily at Parkland High School (Parkland). She retired after 30 years of devoted service at Parkland. As an educator, she passionately championed on behalf of young people and their families, helping them to develop healthy self-identity, pride, and the knowledge that they could achieve whatever their mind could conceive.

On August 17, 1974, Sandra married Jasper C. Brown, Jr. Together, they embarked on a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. After settling in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Sandra embraced her role as a wife, mother, and pillar in the community.

Sandra's nurturing spirit extended beyond her own family, as she welcomed countless children and youth into her heart, library, and home over the years. A devoted wife and mother, Sandra took pride in cheering on her children and empowering them to pursue their dreams. As a civic minded and community conscious individual, she was very involved in numerous professional, community, and social organizations: La Nouveaute, The Ebony Hearts, The Holidays, A Gathering of Women, the Kings and Queens Bridge Club, and the Winston-Salem Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She also fervently backed the United Negro College Fund, driven by her unwavering belief in the power of education. As part of her commitment, during her tenure as a high school librarian, she organized numerous speaker sessions to illuminate diverse career paths. Additionally, she actively encouraged student involvement in volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald House, served as a mentor to teachers, and offered guidance to numerous adult bridge players.

Her love and talent for gardening was shown through the lush and vibrant oasis she cultivated, a testament to her creativity and dedication. Sandra found joy and peace in nurturing her garden, pouring her time and energy into its beauty.

A lover of travel, good food, and bridge, Sandra cherished moments spent entertaining friends and loved ones. Her sharp intellect and curiosity for knowledge made her a captivating conversationalist, with a keen interest and appreciation for art (paintings, quilting, and wood sculpture), history, and genealogy.

As we honor the memory of Sandra Cox Brown, we celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the legacy of love she leaves behind. Though she may no longer be with us, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and grace. Sandra's memory will continue to inspire and uplift us, reminding us to cherish every moment and spread love wherever we go.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Sarah and Harold Cox; her mother, Alma Ruth Green; her father, Arthur Turner Wade; and her brother, Arthur Wade Jr. Sandra leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Jasper C. Brown, Jr.; children: Leslie M. Brown (Oyesina), Douglas S. Brown, and Jasper D. Brown; grandchildren: Dinah Taylor-Brown, Nyla Rae Sandra Brown, and Ifasola Olusegun. She also leaves behind a host of relatives, loved ones, cherished friends, and former students. In honoring Sandra's memory, let us rejoice in the knowledge that she is now free from pain and soaring among the stars. Forever cherished, forever loved, Sandra will remain in our hearts.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, April 5, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Saturday, April 6, 2024 at First Baptist Church – Highland Avenue. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:30am on Saturday at the Church.