Sandra G

Lambert

Obituary

The Life, The Love, The Legacy of

Sandra G. Lambert

June 6th, 1945 ~ September 19th, 2018

S urrounded by her family and friends, Sandra Gail Sheila Lanier Lambert was called home by our Lord and Savior on September 19th, 2018 after a long illness.

Affectionately known as Sandy, she was born to Juanita and Clinton Lanier on June 6th, 1945 in Savannah, Georgia. She was the second of four children: her sister the late Gloria Greene, and brothers Sgt. Harold Thomas Lanier, and James Reginald Hart. After her parents divorced, her mother relocated the family to the Bronx, New York, where Sandy was educated in the New York City public school system, attending Jordan Mott Junior High School and graduating from Central Commercial High School. It was during these early years that she dreamed of singing and modeling, two passions she later was able to pursue. Her excellent academics landed her employment with the New York Telephone Company and, later, Panaflex, and her striking looks led to a professional modeling contract.

Sandy met the love of her life, Charles Howard Lambert, one spring day while watching the Bronx Bombers play. The two wed in February 1966 and were married for 52 years.  After the birth of three children, Sandra devoted herself to being a fulltime housewife, yet she also found time to be the lead vocalist of a jazz/R&B quartet that included pianist Arthur Sterling. The quartet worked the jazz bar and lounge circuit in Harlem, Greenwich Village, and the Bronx, opening for two of Sandra's favorite artists, Arthur Prysock and Joe Williams.  Dynamic, fun-loving, and dedicated, Sandy's family

and friends could count on her to show up in a dazzling red ensemble and to know the best places for shopping or late-night fun. A creative and resourceful homemaker, she

enjoyed hosting parties and all-night sessions of Crazy Eights, Pitty Pat, Spades, and her personal favorite, Scrabble. It was not unusual for the three children to wake up on to wake up on a school morning to find the house cluttered with score sheets and mom's crew--Uncle Reggie, Candy, Yvonne, Aunt Maria and others--still playing. In addition to shopping and dancing, she loved mystery novels, the theater (a passion she shared with her children), traveling the Caribbean and the Pacific Northwest, and, last, the ShopRite Can-Can sale and savory boiled peanuts, two things she especially loved sharing with her sister.

A devoted mother, Sandy encouraged her children's academic, creative and cultural development by enrolling them in classes at the Harlem School of the Arts. She enjoyed a close relationship with her mother-in-law, Beatrice Shell Lambert, from whom she learned many things and took much inspiration. Charles and Sandy and made sure the children put family first by regularly spending summers at his parents' farm in Lunenburg County, VA. Similarly, Sandy cherished her grand- and godchildren, showering them with the love and attention they needed to become happy, successful, and grounded individuals.

Sandy also had a genuine concern for the well-being of others, connecting with everyone—high post, mediocre, and "riff-raff" alike. It was a gift several family members and friends remarked upon and appreciated. A very discerning person, if she sensed you were in need or distress, she'd pull you aside, and you quickly became aware that she actually listened intently to whatever you shared with her. When she spoke with you, you truly understood that she saw the real you, and this knowledge tempered the love and advice she sagely offered. Her goals in these conversations were to impart wisdom and laughter and leave you with the faith to persevere. It is this singular quality that has endeared her to so many gathered here today.

Sandy leaves to cherish her memories her devoted husband Charles Howard Lambert of Teaneck, New Jersey; children Michael Keith of Teaneck, New Jersey, Troy Anthony of Brooklyn, New York, Nicole Danyelle' of Teaneck, New Jersey, and Barbara "Fran" Lee of Brandon, Floridia; grandchildren Chyan Juanita and Joseph Chevayo Rivera of Teaneck, New Jersey), Anais Foster and Raziel Morin of Brandon, Florida; son-in-law, Joe Rivera, of Teaneck, New Jersey; brothers James (Patricia) Hart of Galloway, New Jersey  and Sgt. Harold Thomas Lanier  of Killeen, Texas; brother-in-law James A. Greene of Bronx, New York; nieces Janice Greene Gwyn, LaTonya Greene of Bronx, New York, and Felicia Greene of Brooklyn, New York.  A beautiful host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, godchildren and many generous, thoughtful friends.