Sandra Faye Black was born on November 5, 1950, in San Francisco, California. She was

the fourth of nine children born to Nevis Bill Black, Sr. and Courtney Arnette Hall-
Black. At an early age, Sandra distinguished herself as multi-talented and outgoing,

often meeting people with love and enthusiasm. Sandra accepted Jesus Christ as her

Lord and Savior which shaped her compassion and fueled her desire to touch count-
less individuals throughout her 75 years of life.

As Sandra began her formal education, she attended John Muir Elementary School.
During this time, Sandra met her lifelong friends, Grace Smith, Juanita Hill and the

rest of the Crowder clan. During middle school at Presidio Junior High, Sandra dis-
covered her love for the arts and enjoyed involvement in choir, poetry, and dancing.

In High School, Sandra was a visible community member, and she excelled in cheer-
leading, student leadership and she received distinction in several debate competitions.

After graduating from Polytechnic High School in 1968, Sandra continued her
education at City College of San Francisco and received her A.S in Sociology. Sandra
completed her undergraduate education and received her B.A. in Sociology from San
Francisco State University. During college, Sandra joined the Black Panther Party and
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As a young adult, Sandra enjoyed a life full of robust
experiences and spent time traveling. Some of Sandra’s favorite domestic trips included
visiting family across the country, vacationing in Hawaii and she often took road trips
to Texas with her best friend, Jettye Buford-Levels. She also enjoyed international
travel experiences across Africa, Jamaica, and Mexico.
As a young woman, Sandra met and dated Jerry Louis Bailey, Sr. Their love produced
her life’s greatest joy, Jerry Louis Bailey, Jr. in January 1981. She affectionately called her
son “Lil Raider” as he was born during the Super Bowl, and the Oakland Raiders won
that year. Although Sandra was the mother of one child, her nurturing spirit extended
to many. Later, she cherished her role as grandmother to Jeremiah Nevis Bailey.

Sandra enjoyed success as an entrepreneur and was instrumental in establishing a reha-
bilitation home for veterans and those within the neurodivergent community. Sandra

secured several government contracts and grants, which provided her with the oppor-
tunity to maximize her impact as she served her community and engaged in many

volunteer endeavors.
After Sandra obtained her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and a

Marriage and Family Therapist concentration from California State University, Hay-
ward in 1996, she accepted a role at Casey Family Programs for Contra Costa County.

This was a rewarding time in Sandra’s life as she was able to fully make use of her

employment skills, ideas, resources and passion for helping children in the CPS Sys-
tem. Sandra’s work and visionary leadership directly impacted policy creation and

helped inform standards for proper placement of children in
foster care that are still practiced. Sandra managed the endowment

fund and secured resources to ensure the children under her care had individ-
ualized support. As the first certified Marriage and Family Therapist hired at Alameda

County Children and Family Services, Sandra was responsible for establishing the place-
ment unit division. Sandra consulted with Group Home Directors and maintained a

high rate of successful placements. In this role, she also led the inaugural Adopt an An-
gel for Christmas initiative to ensure the children had positive holiday experiences.

Sandra was a devoted member of Elmhurst Presbyterian Church and was ordained as a
Deacon in 1989 and an Elder in 2000. In 1994, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Diane
Givens-Moffett, Sandra supported the reestablishment of the Elmhurst Food Pantry. By
connecting hundreds of families to vital community resources, those in need received
nutritional food and government surplus every Saturday.
Those who knew Sandra appreciated her zest for life and her authentic and vivacious
personality. She often led lively discussions and spirited debates about current events.
As the matriarch of the Black family, Sandra traveled to lovingly support graduations,
weddings, births and she especially enjoyed planning the annual Black Family reunion.
Her loved ones fondly recall eagerly waiting to hear her share family history, hilarious
stories and her wise reflections on life.
Sandra departed this life on February 8, 2026, and she entered eternal rest with
her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted parents,
Nevis and Courtney Black; brothers, Nevis, Jr., Lenius, and Anthony Black; sisters, Dr.
Jacqueline Black-Parkins and Judy Black-Pratt; and niece, Anjanette Black.
Sandra’s legacy and memory will be cherished by her son, Jerry L. Bailey,
Jr., and grandson Jeremiah Bailey. She is also survived by her sister, Helen
Black; brothers Del Courtney Black (Stephanie) and Jesse Black III;
nieces and nephews, Jewel Jacqueline Black, Denisha Haynes (LaNair),
Sherrell Gillispie (Eddie III), Anthony Pratt, Tiffany Black, Angelina
Black, Erin Helm, Kimberley Parkins, Jesse Black IV (Yesenia), Jermaine
Black (Unique), Tony Black (Ysenia), and Kevin Black. Additionally,
a host of family members, close friends, church members, coworkers,
neighbors and community members will honor Sandra, as she was truly
a phenomenal woman, a faithful servant and a loving matriarch.
Sandra’s life was not measured by what she acquired, but by what she
gave. Her legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of
all who knew her.