Gail Ann Sanford

Gail Ann Lynette Sanford was born on Sept. 8, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio to parents Silas G. Little & Leatha (Warren) Little, Gail was the tenth of twelve brothers and sisters (Silas Little Jr., Phyllis Robinson, Margaret Lewis (deceased), Gloria Freeman (deceased), Vivian (Connie) Little, Pleas Edward Little (deceased), Sylvia Little-Harris, Richard (Dicky) Little, Michael C. Little, Alfred (Al) Little, Valerie J. Baker.

Gail grew up in Cleveland in the heart of her loving family and with many neighborhood friends most notably the nearby Baker family through which she would meet her one love, Harold Sanford.  Gail graduated from the John Adams High School Class of 1969 around which time she and Harold had begun to date.  Gail attended Kent State University during the years 1969 to 1971.  It wasn’t long before they were almost inseparable, the drive to Kent, Ohio wasn’t enough to keep Harold from seeing Gail as much as he could.  With a whirlwind courtship and not wanting to be apart from one another Harold & Gail became engaged and they were married on June 10, 1972.  After marriage Harold and Gail began life together residing in Cleveland and soon started their family with the birth of their son Jason Christopher Sanford.  They later moved to Shaker Heights where their second son Justin Charles Sanford was born. Thinking they were finished having children Harold & Gail were happy & excited at the arrival of their third son, Jordan Chourtney Sanford.  Needing more room for their growing family Harold & Gail moved to Woodmere, Oh., a home that gave Gail  more than enough room to express her talent for doll & book collectibles and decorating their home in the theme of African art and culture.

Gail loved to plan family gatherings & holiday get-togethers at hers & Harold's home. She was a prolific writer of poetry and was also writing a book centered around her nieces recent trip to Ghana in West Africa.  Gail was a profound Biblical scholar with a love of the Lord so easily identified when you spoke to her and you could experience her special soft touch always filled with encouragement & kindness. Gail's professional working career included Administrative work with Austin Powder Corp. in Cleveland but she soon found that she had a love for teaching young children. Always a teacher with a love of children, Gail not only taught at the Oakfield Day Care Center in Cleveland but was also the Head Teacher at the Village Child Care Center in Oakwood Village.

Gail taught Black History to children at the Thea Bowman Center, “24.7.365” during the years 2011-2021 and she was frequently invited to Host & conduct Kwanzaa celebrations throughout Greater Cleveland where her knowledge & expertise was so often very captivating to the audience!  Gail built a career for most of her adult life caring for and teaching young children whether in a child day care environment, after school program or at a Kwanzaa or Black History celebration event.

Ultimately, Gail’s passion in this life was for the love of her husband Harold, her children, grandchildren, family and friends always demonstrating her gentle spirit of Love, Kindness & Friendship.

*Organizations: National Council of Negro Women, Hooray for Black Women.

*Church Membership: Epiphany Catholic Church from elementary school till the church closed in 2009; attendance at Holy Spirit Catholic Church-Garfield Hts.

Gail Leaves to mourn her passing: Spouse, Harold Sanford; Children: Jason Christopher Sanford, Justin Charles Sanford, Jordan Chourtney Sanford; Siblings:  Silas Little Jr., Phyllis Robinson, Vivian (Connie) Little, Sylvia Little-Harris, Richard (Dicky) Little, Michael C. Little, Alfred (Al) Little, Valerie J. Baker; Grandchildren: Jayla Cimone Sanford, Mahogany Chamille Sanford, Nadia Cinclaire Sanford, Naomi Celine Sanford, Justin Charles Sanford Jr., Micah Matthias Sanford, Elijah Maximus Sanford.

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