Sandra Jean Green

Sandra Jean Green, 75, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2022. She was born December 13, 1946, in Charleston, the eldest of ten children, to Alverta Jean Wiggins and the late William Edward Wiggins, Sr. Sandra was raised to be a hard-working, disciplined leader. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand with her younger siblings. Like her mother, Sandra was a very caring and nurturing young lady. This nurturing spirit would be an integral part of her throughout her life, which led her into the ministry. Sandra gave her life to the Lord as a young adult.

Sandra was educated in Kanawha County schools. She graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School at age 17. After high school, Sandra graduated from Center College in Charleston. Her first job was working at West Virginia Bell as a key punch operator. She then moved to California and continued working with the  Bell company. Sandra returned to Charleston and married her high school sweetheart, Eugene Green. They then moved to New Jersey, while still working for the Bell Company. Sandra’s voice is who you heard when calling for information. She retired after 45 years of service.

Sandra harvested the nuggets of wisdom that were deposited in her life and used that wisdom to achieve her goals. After walking away from a terrible car accident that totaled her car, she chose to attend seminary and became a licensed minister.

While in New Jersey, Sandra was an active church member at Messiah Baptist Living Praise and Love of Jesus Ministries. She received special recognition for her commitment to outreach ministry. She was passionate about working with the Pastor’s Aid and Children’s Ministry. She had a long life of service as a volunteer with New Jersey food banks, delivering  Christmas presents to the school for the deaf and blind with the New Jersey Telephone Pioneers. Sandra also served as her daughters’ Girl Scouts Troop Leader in Hillside, NJ, for many years, regularly selling the highest number of girl scout cookies among area troops.

After retirement, she returned to WV, joined Abundant Life Ministries, and became an ordained minister. At Abundant Life, she was the head of the Hospitality Ministry, which included, catering, decorations, etc.  Sandra also catered events at the state capitol, the Chilton House in St. Albans, the WV Medical Board, and numerous Charleston organizations and individuals. When she returned to WV, she opened Sandy’s Specialty Shop. Sandra would eventually open the Lighthouse Emporium, where she was an excellent cook. She often hosted family and friends’ gatherings at her home or restaurant. Preparing comfort food for family and friends was one of her passions. She also would come to the rescue of anyone who called on her to cater a meal, regardless of how tired she may be. After closing the restaurant Sandra opened the concessions at Job Corps. She always pampered the students with special treats on their birthdays. They affectionally called Sandra, “Grandma.” She also ran concessions at several local swimming pools during summer months, all while catering various events throughout the city. Sandra was a crafter and enjoyed sewing for herself and others. She made many garments and gifts.

Sandra’s strong work ethic propelled her to the forefront of selfless service to others. Her devotion to her family was endless and there was no mountain too high or valley too low for  Sandra to help them achieve their maximum goals and potential. She encouraged her siblings, nieces, and nephews to pursue their dreams, even if others did not believe in them. Sandra nurtured and encouraged her daughter, Tamara, to pursue a career as a medical doctor and her daughter, Amy, to pursue a career as an elementary school special needs teacher. Her hard work made it possible for her grandchildren to believe in themselves and work toward their goals. Sandra was always willing to forgo her personal comfort to ensure her family and friends were taken care of.

Left to rejoice because they were blessed to have known and love her, is her husband, Eugene Green, married for 54 years, and through this union, they have two daughters, Dr. Tamara Green and Amy Green-Nicholas, M. Ed, grandchildren; Chole Morris (Nana’s Chloe Bear), Demetria Nicholas, Athena Nicholas, and Apollo Nicholas. Sandra was affectionally known to her grandchildren as “Nana; mother, Alverta Jean Wiggins, six sisters; Carolyn Faucett, Kathy Thornton, Christy Wesley (Joe Wayne), Ethel Hall (Ritchie, Sr.), Vonda Freshour, Dr. Viola Johnson (Ron), three brothers; William “Wink” Wiggins, Jr., Larry “Beaver” Wiggins (Ruth), and Jeffery Wiggins (Tamara), nieces; Javona, Dr. Angela, Natalie, Dannielle, Bridget, Amorah, Anecia, Dr. Karia, Dr. Keya, and Kabrina, nephews; Tedie, Dr. Ritchie, II, Addison, Lance, Ryan, Larry, II, Christopher, Ocer and Jabril, special sister/cousin, Alice Wiggins-Ingram, and a host of cousins great nieces, great nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 7, 2022, 1:00 p.m., at Abundant Life Ministries, 1534 Washington St, E., Charleston. Visitation is 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Entombment at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Callender Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at callenderfuneralhome.com.
 
 

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