Ms. Bess Sanford's Obituary
Bess Price Sanford, age 94, of Dadeville, Alabama was born in Huntsville, Alabama on March 6, 1928 and went to her heavenly home on January 31, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents Herman Shelby Price and Edna Englebert Price; sister Lois Hampton and husband Bob; sister Mary Frances Senn and husband Malcom; daughter-in-law Debbie Newman Sanford and brother-in-law Jimmy K. Sanford.
She is survived by her daughter, Nancy S. Washburn and husband, Jack of Dadeville; son, Charles W. “Sandy” Sanford Jr. of Tuscaloosa; son, Dr. Shelby P. Sanford and wife Lisa of Tuscaloosa; Granddaughter, Kelly Elizabeth “Buffy” McKelvey of Auburn; Grandsons, Dr. E. Jason Washburn and wife Dru of Opelika, C. David Washburn of Jacksonville, Shelby P. Sanford Jr. of Tuscaloosa and Seth P. Sanford and wife Lilli of Birmingham; and great-grandchildren, Jackson, Will and Sam Washburn and Baxley, Savanah and Ireland McKelvey.
Bess was an amazing and accomplished Christian woman, whose faith was timeless and unwavering. She was admired and respected by all who knew her. After graduating from Dadeville High School at the age of 16, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee where she was a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Her 23-year career as social worker began as a Case Worker at the Tallapoosa County Department of Pensions and Security in Dadeville before moving to Montgomery to serve as an Administrator at the State Department of Pensions and Security. While employed in her capacity with the State of Alabama she received numerous accommodations, awards and recognitions for her achievements.
Although Bess earned many awards and accolades’ professionally, her greatest legacy was her undying love, sacrifice and dedication to her family, especially her children.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the charity of your choice.
A graveside “Celebration of Life” will be held February 18, 2023 at 11 am in the Dadeville City Cemetery.
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