Obituary | Sandra Jean Booker | Bradshaw & Range Funeral Home PC (2024)

Sandra Jean Booker, a cherished pillar of the Lake County community, left us suddenly on August 13, 2024. Born on August 19, 1960, in Coatopa, Alabama, to Judge A. Booker and the late Wynona (Bea) Williams-Booker, Sandra’s life was a testament to her faith, compassion, and dedication to serving others.

Sandra confessed Christ at an early age, joining First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in 1970 under the leadership of the late Reverend Peter Goudeaux Jr and in 1995 under the leadership of Pastor Eugene Roberson. She began her service on the Junior Usher Board with Ms. Barbara Thomas and later became a Preschool-Kindergarten Sunday school teacher, a role she cherished until 2012. She then joined in 2013 Way Through the Word Ministry under Reverend Ellie Coleman’s leadership.

Sandra’s early education was rooted in the North Chicago school system, where she graduated with the Class of 1979, proudly embodying the Warhawk spirit. She was eagerly anticipating her 45th class reunion. In August 1983, Sandra enrolled in the College of Lake County's Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program, earning her CNA license in October 1983. This marked the beginning of a dedicated career in healthcare. Sandra began at Winchester House as a CNA in 1983, transitioned to the Chicago Medical School (now Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine) as a medical assistant, and later served at the Lake County Health Department from 1991 to 2013. Her roles included home health nursing assistant, community health associate, and senior public health assistant.

Through these positions, Sandra made lasting, impactful relationships with teen mothers in Stepping Together, seniors in Home Health, and countless others in the community. After leaving the county, she continued her advocacy as a home-based specialist, respite care provider, and self-employed caregiver, working with families like the Beans, Lillie Jackson, and Ms. Flo. Her deep passion for children and seniors fueled her ongoing dedication until her passing.

Beyond her professional work, Sandra volunteered as a Lake County Adult Probation Officer for over 20 years and worked with My Father’s Business, mentoring young teenagers. Her love for mentoring youth, teaching them essential life skills, and fostering long-lasting relationships was a hallmark of her character. Even as she battled cardiac sarcoidosis, Sandra remained an active and beloved member of the Lake County Sarcoidosis group, continuing to build meaningful connections.

Sandra was truly one of a kind, bopped like no other, known for her vibrant personality and ability to bring people together. Affectionately known as Moo, San, Ms. B, Ms. Booker, Ms. Waukegan, Ms. G.L., and TeTe San, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind her precious children Natisha Booker of Grayslake, IL, and Samuel D.A. Gray of Dallas TX, daughter of love: Adrienne (Jamar) Simmons of Tucker, GA. Her loving father Judge A. Booker of Memphis, TN. Eight sisters: Barbara (Walter) Branch of Madrid MO; Sandra Booker of Zion IL; Alice (Sam) Pope-Baker of Greenwood MS; Cathy (Warren) Roseborough of Munford TN; Angela Patterson of North Chicago, IL; Josie Starks of California; Johnnie Mitchell of California; and Charlene Miller of Las Vegas, NV. Two sisters-in-law: Wanda Brown of Waukegan, IL and Julie Booker of Michigan. Two brothers: Michael Booker of TX and Ernest Booker of Nelsonville OH. Two brothers- in-laws: John W. Black of Chicago, IL and Anthony (Tony) Glover of Waukegan, IL. Six aunts: Ruth Jackson of Tuscaloosa, AL; Gloria Rice of North Chicago, IL; Barbara Bush of Rolling Fork, MS; Ikie Jackson of Chicago, IL; and Billeye Shelton of Dangerfield, TX; and Mary Ross Cunningham of Waukegan, IL. Two uncles: Lorenza (Jennifer) Belville of Waukegan, IL and Preston (Joe) Wiggins of Zion, IL.

She is also survived by two bonus grandchildren Olivia and Jacob Simmons, and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, special niece of love Arlene Sawyer and special cousins of love Pastor Kathy Moton and Sheila Miller. Godchildren: Ericka Morris, Mia Waites, Jalen Morris Desmond Roseborough, Yammile Estrada, and LaMar Black Jr. Special friends: Lydia Sawyer, Michele McBride, Eugene Jones, Celester Rodney, Debra Choc, Doris Wilburn, Brenda MacDonnell, Sharon Doney, Darlene Kennard, Rosalind Davis, Orlando and Bertha Warner, and the Old Lake County Family Life Education Team.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Wynona (Bea) Williams-Booker; Maternal grandparents parents, Jack and Elsie Williams; Paternal grandparents Alberta Hobbs-Caldwell and Eugene Booker. Three brothers: Don Brown, Matt Brown, and Mark D. Booker. Three sisters: Linda “Ann” Miller-Quinn, Brenda J. Black-Glover, and Sharon Davis; as well as two uncles, four aunts, and many cousins. Her godmother, Candace Martin, also preceded her in death.

Sandra’s legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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