Debra E. Sanford

Debra Sanford was born in Flushing, New York to the proud parents of WIlliam Foster and Nellie Spurling Foster on September 27th, 1957. She was the youngest of three children, including William Foster Jr and Steve Foster. Debra loved her beloved brothers. Debra was a person who was near and dear to many people and often would be called by the nick name of Deb or Debbie. She enjoyed people and enjoyed the company of many friends.  She especially loved her family – and was often the center of ‘cousin parties’ in which she would never forget to celebrate the birthdays or accomplishments of her family members. Debra attended Public School 31 in Bayside, Queens New York.  At the completion of 6th grade, her parents moved to Amityville, Long Island.  There she attended Amityville High School, graduating in 1975. During her high school years in Amityville, it was evident that Debbie truly enjoyed water sports – most especially swimming. After graduating high school, she attended Pace University Shortly before transferring to York College in Jamaica Queens, New York majoring in Psychology. Due to her early loss of vision, she was forced to discontinue her education. Her vision loss never stopped her from thriving. She later became a Home Health Aide and enjoyed caring for others. In 1979, Debra met Robert Sanford. The two quickly became attached and enjoyed each other's company. They were married in 1982 and recently celebrated 41 years of marriage. They have been devoted to each other ever since. Two children came from this union: Chaniuqe and Aleece. She was an amazing Mom who was always her children’s biggest cheerleader. Debra was an amazing homemaker who devoted her life to the care of her family. Debra became a believer in Christ at an early age at the Community Baptist Church of Bayside, under the pastoral supervision of Dr. R.L. Ryan.  Her faith walk continued with her membership at the Hollywood Baptist Church in Amityville, NY. Once married to her husband Robert, they both attended and sang in the choir at Upper Room Tabernacle in Deer Park and later attended Saints Church in Glendale, New York under the Pastoral direction of Pastors Robert and Maria Durso. Debra followed the teachings of her Bible – in that she was truly compassionate and loved people. Having a devoted prayer life was always an important aspect of her life and she knew to lean and rely on her faith through many difficult times – as she realized and accepted life’s trials and tribulations – and yet she smiled and maintained a positive attitude through it all.  Debra loved music, dancing, crocheting, spending time with her loved ones, she also loved listening to audio books and watching her stories with her husband Robert. She became an excellent cook and loved experimenting with new and different recipes.  Debra touched many lives with her joy and care and will be severely missed.  She leaves to mourn her passing her loving husband Robert, two children; Chanique and her wife Andrea and Aleece and her husband Adam, step-daughter Eugenia Powell; three grandchildren; Natalie, Franklin, and Carolyn; brother William Jr. and wife Pamela, her loving Aunt Eunice Wofford; her loving cousin and close friend Donald Albritton, and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.   

Submitted in Sorrow -  

The Family 

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