Sandra Drakeford

Sandra Laverne Coleman was born on June 4, 1948, to Shirley Coleman. Sandy, as she was affectionately known to her friends, was primarily raised by her grandmother, Rose (Arbit) Coleman, in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia.

Sandra attended the Grover Cleveland Elementary School, Gillespie Jr. High, and the Simon Gratz High Schools. She graduated in June 1965 and went on to earn an Associate and Bachelor's degree. In 2001, Sandra received a Master's degree from Lincoln University in Human Services; a subject that was very befitting to her personality. Earlier in her career, she worked in both New York and Philadelphia. After receiving her Master’s she went on to be a Social Worker and Head start program coordinator in Lancaster.

Sandra grew up in the Nazarene Baptist Church of Nicetown with family and close friends under the leadership of Reverend William L. Banks, where she served on the junior usher board. Sandra was a fun, loving, and jovial person who also liked to pull pranks and tell jokes of all kinds. She had many friends who all loved her kind and happy personality. Always a caring person when it came to the welfare of others and their needs, she sometimes regifted gifts that were given to her.

Sandra was an outgoing person. She believed in family and friends, get togethers, whether through cookouts, birthday parties, holidays, or any other special occasion. She loved to enter a neighbor or friend's house for coffee and conversation. She was one who loved being surrounded by people. Additionally, in her spare time she enjoyed a good book.

On September 11, 1966, Sandra gave birth to a baby girl named Linda. A second baby girl on August 27, 1969, named Eunice, who was affectionately known as DeeDee. Both daughters proceeded her in death. She was known for caring for children throughout her lifetime and raised two other daughters from babyhood, Ghia (Muff) Coleman, and Elizabeth (Lizzie)Drakeford.

Sandra resided in Camden, NJ for many years prior to moving to Lancaster, PA. In 1994, she met a young man name Al Drakeford, and they became good friends before they fell in love. Al and Sandra went to the altar on May 25, 1996. They made a home for themselves and their dog, Whispers, for the next 30 years.

Brightside Baptist Church became their home church where Sandra was an usher, van driver and initiated the Angel tree Ministry.

During the start of her illness, Sandra would take a bus or train and find her way to Philly to return to her childhood home where she had her fondest memories. We thank God for always watching over her and keeping her safe. We love our sister, wife, cousin, and grandmother and will miss her dearly.

Sandra is survived by her husband Al Drakeford; adopted daughters Lizzie Drakeford; Ghia (Muff) Coleman, stepson, Al Drakeford, Jr. and her five grandchildren Ramia; Kyerah; Daiya; Zaahirah. Naazir (Tyshera); Kevin; and Kadeem Coleman and 14 great grandchildren, devoted siblings, Deborah Meekins; Denise (Pinky) Coleman; Beverly Cuff (Lamont); and Kevin Woodland, Sister-in-law, Janie Brown (Charles), Brother-in-law, Mozella Drakeford and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Home Going Services will be held at 11AM on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St, Lancaster, PA 17602. Interment will be private. Family and friends will be received from 10-11AM at the funeral home on Friday.