Mary Sanchez

Mary Evelyn Warren Sanchez went to be with the Lord November 19th, at the age of 87, to join her beloved husband of 50 years – Frank, and other pre-deceased loved ones - daughter Nicki, parents Malcolm/Mildred, sister Barbara June, and brother Malcolm.

She is survived by her sons and their wives Michael/Vivian, David/Juanita, son-in-law Donald, her brother Richard/Diane, grandchildren: Michelle/Wesley, Lucas, Levi, and Lane, and great grandchildren Charles, Mackenna and Sutton. Her surviving brother/sister-in laws and families include: Larry Foster (Denise, Rebecca), Patricia Warren (Scott, Curt, and Adena) Kenny/Margie, (Danin), Jason (Hannah, Christopher, Zachary, and Chloe), Robert Sanchez (Terri-Beth/Chris, and Robert/Elizabeth), Patty Manning (Kathy, Lori, Julie, and Cheri).

Mary was born in Montezuma, Georgia in 1934 to Mildred and Malcolm Warren. The family moved to Miami, and she went on to excel in academics and sports, winning awards and a scholarship to UM. She married Frank E. Sanchez in 1954 as he entered the Army and together, had 3 children. Strong in her faith, she was a founding member of Sierra Norwood Baptist Church, and she went on to teach and build its kindergarten program to approximately 100+ students.

Mary was an elementary school secretary for 25 years, before transitioning to high school for another 5 years where she handled purchasing. During her educational career, she was named the first “Miami-Dade County Secretary of the Year”, and she served 12 years as a Board member of the South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union (SFEFCU). After retirement, she supervised and provided a safe place in her home for neighborhood children to play and do their homework after school. For 10+ years she volunteered at Miami Lakes Educational Center and West Broward High School supporting the ESE program and Media center, and enjoyed setting up various displays for the schools.

Mary was always willing to assist wherever she could, give you straight advice, and never shied away from hard work. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend to everyone she met. She loved to take on projects. Her love was not limited to family. Besides her parents when the need arose, she was a caretaker for years to elderly neighbors. Mary and Frank even took in a homeless high school student for a few years. Many children in church, in the neighborhood, and in school, grew up knowing her as Miss Mary. She loved spending time with family, and was loved and touched more lives than she ever realized.

A celebration of life service will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home (2401 Davie Road, Davie Fl 33317), Wednesday, December 15th, at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Hart County Chamber of Commerce – Nicki Meyer Scholarship (PO Box 971 Hartwell, GA 30643), the Hartwell Georgia revitalization project “Torch of Hartwell Inc” ([email protected]) in which Mary’s daughter had an instrumental part in organizing, the American Cancer Society, or one of your favorite charities.