Sandra Williams Bailey (Lansing)

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Mrs. Sandra Jean Williams-Bailey made her heavenly transition to glory on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 64 years old. She was born on Saturday, July 16, 1960, to her parents, James Quivers and Odessie Williams in Blytheville, Arkansas.

Sandra, known as “NiNi” relocated to Lansing, Michigan at the age of 4 years old where she was raised by her mom and dad, Tommy Lee “Doc” Gaston. As a child she attended New Mount Calvary Baptist Church and was affiliated with Bethlehem Temple and Gates of Zion through adulthood. Sandra attended Walnut Elementary School, Garnder Middle School, and graduated with honors from J. W. Sexton High School, where she met and became engaged to her first love Nathaniel Chappell. She attended some college at Davenport University for Child Psychology.

 After marrying Houston Bailey Jr. in 1971, she was a stay-at-home mom until her employment with the Lansing Housing Commission (LHC) began in 1995 through 2009, as the Hildebrandt Computer Learning Center Supervisor. She was the Community Center Key Holder, and the Onsite Head of Breakfast/Lunch Program provided by the Lansing School District. In 2012, Sandra received the Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Neighborhoods Award which was awarded by the Lansing Mayor Virgil “Virg” Bernero and the Lansing Police Department. She was labeled as head of Neighborhood Watch. During her employment with LHC, she worked with Theresa “TRose” Randleman as a program assistant that was heavily relied upon with all programs administered through LHC. She was very valuable to all program coordinators and contractors.

Sandra was a very much beloved individual who touched so many hearts with her selflessness, courage, and strength. Her presence brought so much joy, love, laughter, and warmth to all who knew her. Outside of her 4 children and 6 godchildren, she gave boundless love to every child she met. This beautiful soul was the whole Nort Turne Street “Mother Hen” and was known as “Momma Sandra” or “Aunt Sandra” to all, no matter what race or ethnic background you came from.

Sandra’s hobbies included going to garage, yard, or estate sales. Her motto was “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. Some more of her hobbies were sewing, knitting, or quilting blankets, watching LMN movies, writing poetry, and playing computer games such as Zuma, Tetris, and Candy Crush. She also took pride in spending time and spoiling her 4 NiNi babies (grandbabies) from the time they were born till she was no longer capable.

 She leaves to cherish in her memory 3 daughters, YaLonda Chappell, Ashley Chappell, and Teaira Carter; son, Amantre Bailey; 4 grandchildren, Tyrique Carter, Kenyon Allen, Imani Jackson, and Rey Wilder; great-grandson, KaHarie Allen; 2 sisters, Marilyn Donald and Lori Lutz; 3 brothers, Johnny (Carlotta) Robinson, Daron Quivers, and Pernell Quivers; 7 nieces, Patrice Donald, Latasha Donald, Latonia Donald, Jackie Donald, Rodreica Goodwin, Raquel Goodwin, and Dejanae Donald; 6 nephews, Dwayne Goodwin, Trentton Lutz, Rushawn Marshall, and Runaldo Wright; many great nieces and nephews; 4 aunts, 2 uncles, cousins, 7 stepbrothers, 4 stepsisters, 5 goddaughters whom she helped to raise, Faith Johnson, Sananna Holmes, Somenna Barber, Ashley Dixon-Smith, and Shania Williams and 3 best friends, Doris Williams, Sandra Jean Kowalk, and Staci Nye.

Those who preceded her in death were her husband, Houston Bailey, Jr.; mother, both fathers, grandmother, grandfather; 2 sisters, Dorothy Gaston and Inger Sheree Wright; 7 aunts, 5 uncles; and ex-fiancé, Nathaniel Chappell.