Sandra Elaine McConnell was born on March 30, 1948 to Syretha (Pates) McConnell in Cleveland, Ohio. She also grew up in Cleveland with her parents – Leroy and Syretha McConnell (who preceded her in death); sisters Anne and Kathleen; and brothers James (who preceded her in death) and Michael. Sandra graduated from East Technical High School with honors and attended Cuyahoga Community College.

Sandra LOVED Jesus Christ and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Sandra loved to read the bible and knew, taught, and encouraged others the Word of God. The Lord called His faithful servant, Sandra home on October 26, 2026 at 11:07pm where there no doubt was a joyful reunion with the ancestors. She passed peacefully at Menorah Life in St. Petersburg Florida.

Sandra worked as a medical secretary at various hospitals in the Cleveland area, including: Cleveland Clinic, University Hospital, Women’s General Hospital, and the Positive Education Program. Sandra was the mother of four children: Cassandra “Stormy”; Jahi “T.J.”; LeeAndra “Punkin” (who preceded her in death) and Elaina “Mimi”. After becoming ill in 2012, Sandra relocated to Silver Spring, Maryland to reside with her daughter. In 2021, she moved with her daughter to Florida until her passing.

Sandra loved to cook GOOD food. She operated her own catering business called Soulful Delights which fed many with her famous fried chicken and special ingredient of love. Many people can share stories about their favorite dish created by Sandra. Sandra also loved music especially soul music from the 60’s and 70’s and gospel music. She also had her own record collection over the years. In addition to cooking, Sandra enjoyed getting her nails polished regularly, being outside enjoying nature, and watching movies. One of Sandra’s favorite places in Cleveland was sitting on Lake Erie. In Florida, Sandra loved sitting on the pier overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Largo Central Park.

Sandra helped those in need, even when she was in need herself. She openly shared wisdom and a common-sense approach to life’s challenges. Some of Sandra’s memorable sayings were:

– “Common courtesy cost you nothing”

– “Handle your business and do what you need to do”

– “Be about love while you have a chance”

– “Don’t start none won’t be none”

One of her favorite poems was by Langston Hughes called “Mother to Son.”

Sandra leaves to continue her legacy her children Cassandra McConnell-Tatum (Donald), Torman Jahi and Elaina McConnell ; grandchildren Christopher Grimes, Khamal Jahi, Muata Howard-Jahi and Nyela Williams; great granddaughter Christa Grimes; sisters Kathleen Lewis, Anne Moore and long time family friend Sandra Brilla; sister in law Reverend Shirley McConnell; brother Michael McConnell (Nicole); cousins Abdul Mateen Salaam (Aiesha), Beverly Anderson and, Richard Anderson Jr; niece Dr. Rashele McConnell and nephew James Brandon McConnell (Saundra), and a host of other family, adopted family and friends.