Sandra Lee Davis (lovingly known as San-Lee) was born on March 7, 1950 to Alfred Davis and Hazel Mapson. She was the fourth of eight siblings (all girls). She passed on May 15, 2025 at her home.
Sandra received her formal education in Wilmington, NC. After relocating to New York, she worked for the New York City Housing Authority, where she retired to unselfishly assist her Son-in-Law and daughter (Aaron, Sr. and Kimberley Pretlow) in the nurturing of her three grandchildren (Aaron, Jr., Brandon, and Courtney). While in Abingdon Maryland, she was a member of Ames United Methodist Church where she served on the Usher Board and was a member of the choir. Notably, in 2000 (at the age of 50), Sandra obtained her driver’s license after living in New York City for many years without one! This was accomplished so that she could do what she did best- support her family.
In 2006, the Pretlow and Davis family moved to Newark DE. Alongside her grandson, Aaron Pretlow, Jr. Sandra joined Pilgrim Baptist Church and as true disciples, they led the rest of their family members to join immediately after them. She was a dedicated member of the Senior Choir and the Mass Choir, where she took great pride and joy in being expressive for the Lord.
Her hobbies included gardening with her granddaughter, bowling, and going to movies and luncheons with her sisters from Pilgrim Baptist Church. During the pandemic, Sandra rekindled her love for crocheting. She created many beautiful blanket heirlooms for her family. She also enjoyed shopping and watching reality T.V.
Sandra had an extraordinary gift of making everyone feel like family. Her warmth, kindness, and grace made them feel like she genuinely cared for their well-being. She treated several of her daughters’ friends like her own - even in her endless attempts to marry some of them off. To family and extended family, she was a true cheerleader. She supported everyone’s endeavors, wholeheartedly, and was often there to support their milestones.
Sandra was preceded in death by her mother and her father, two aunts; Ethel Small and Nannie Mapson, her grandson; Aaron Pretlow, Jr., two sisters; Vivian Davis and Doris Nixon, a nephew; Robert Nixon Jr., and a niece; Paula Green.
She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Kimberley Davis-Pretlow (Aaron) of Newark, DE, two grandchildren; Brandon Pretlow of Newark, DE and Courtney Pretlow of Brooklyn, NY., five sisters; Sheila May James of Wilmington, NC, Frances Austin (Stephen) of North Brunswick, New Jersey, Dana Hill of Wilmington, NC, Danita Hill of Wilmington, NC, and Greta Hill of Brooklyn, NY, a Special Cousin; Geraldine Small, and a host of nieces and nephews.
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