Sandra Ann Rankins was born on May 17, 1947, in Oakland, California. Sandra was the first of eight children born to the late Jessie and Ruby Gulledge. Sandra was raised in Richmond, California, and was educated in the Richmond Unified School District, starting grade school at Bayview, middle school at Walter T. Helms and graduating from Richmond Union High School in 1965.
As a youth, Sandra attended Greater El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where she sang in the Angel Choir, under the leadership of the late O.C. Harper and the Junior Choir and Sunday School Teacher under the leadership of the late Rev. David V. Green. Sandra was married to Paul Rankins of Humphrey, Arkansas in 1969. The couple resided in Richmond, eventually moving to Pittsburg, California. To this union, a daughter, Tami Charisse Rankins was born.
Sandra’s first job was at Montgomery Wards in both Richmond and Oakland. After leaving Montgomery Wards, she was employed with Pacific Gas and Electric where she worked for 45 years, until her retirement.
Sandra will live on in the hearts and souls of her daughter, Tami, sister Phyllis “Woody” Hawkins and baby brother Gregory Steven Gulledge; Brother-in-law, Keith Hawkins,; sisters-in-law Ann C. Fuller, Eula Lee Gulledge and Karen Gulledge; and also a host of loving nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins and one GOD-sent friend, Dorothy Belcher
Most of all, Sandra will be remembered for her laughs, smile, long telephone calls, giving spirit and loving heart.
Rest Well Our Beloved
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