Sandra Doretha Banister Wilson departed this life peacefully on April 28, 2020 in Norfolk, VA to be with the Lord. Sandra was born on November 29, 1943 in Winston Salem, NC and grew up in Norfolk, VA where she was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. She received her RN-BSN Degree of Nursing from Old Dominion University.
Sandra was a nurturer and a giving soul. She was the heart and strength of her family and a source of comfort to many. Sandra was a leader, gifted with the ability to make others feel welcomed. Her life was a living testimony of dedicated service to God, her family, and her community.
Sandra loved the Lord. She was a faithful and devoted member of Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church for over 50 years where she was Ordained as a Deacon on April 26, 1998. Sandra was also a member of the Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church gospel choir and a dedicated Girl Scout leader for over 45 years. As a Girl Scout leader, Sandra made sure the girl scouts had the opportunity to experience the world through field trips to places such as Yellowstone National Park, Disney World, outdoor camping, horseback riding and many other cultural events and activities. As a Captain in the United States Army Reserve for 16 years, Sandra proudly served and received an honorable discharge. Sandra retired as a Registered Nurse after more than 40 years in the medical field.
Left to cherish and honor her memory are her devoted husband of nearly 60 years, Berdell Wilson Jr.; two daughters, Stephanie Spruill (Michael) of Virginia Beach, VA and Sylvia Wilson-Foster of Norfolk, VA; son, Stephen B. Wilson (Patrice) of Richmond, VA; four grandchildren-“Pumpkins” Janelle Spruill, Nia Wilson, Trevon Wilson-Foster, Stephen B. Wilson Jr.; mother-in-law, Gladys “Nana” Wilson of Virginia Beach, VA; two sisters, Regina Brickhouse and Victoria “Vickie” Cartwright (James); four brothers, Milford Case (Brenda), Reginald Case, Andre Darden, Marvin Darden; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Sandra Wilson was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Doretha Banister; two aunts, Sadie Darden and Annabelle Washington; two uncles, Melrose Stowe Sr., Haywood Stowe Sr.; two brothers, Monroe Case Sr. and Johnny Darden.
Her remains rest at Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church St. Norfolk, VA, where viewing will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. A private funeral and burial to follow are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. May 6, 2020. Due to present constraints, there will be no formal receiving of friends by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you make a donation to the Colonial Coast Girl Scouts Cedar Rd Chesapeake, Virginia. For those that wish to view the service it will be lived stream at https://gravesfuneralhomeinc.com/