GaSandra Layetta Baldwin

GaSandra Layetta Johnson-Baldwin, best known as “Sandy” to all of her family and friends, was born on December 17, 1949, at her family home in Marshall, Texas. Sandy was the younger of two daughters born to loving parents, Tuner James Johnson Jr. and Dorothy Ruth Johnson. She was a delightful soul with a bright spirit. Sandy spent most of her younger years in both Marshall and Longview, Texas. It was at this time she attended Bethel Baptist Church where she was baptized and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  In 1963 she and her sister relocated to Oxnard, California. She then became a member of the Bethel AME Church, where she served as a youth delegate.

In 1967, Sandy graduated from Oxnard High School.  She continued her education at Ventura College. On a brief visit to her hometown in Texas, she reunited with her good friend Kenneth James Holland Jr. After proposing to Sandy, they were married on May 23, 1970.  From this union two children were born.  On July 3, 1971, she welcomed the “Pride” of her life, Kenneth James Holland III.  The family was complete on January 12, 1979, when she welcomed the “Joy” of her life, Kendra Janai Holland.

After 20 years of marriage, Sandy began her journey as a working single mother. She loved her children dearly and instilled in them values of character and integrity. Sandy also loved computers and she was very knowledgeable about them. It was during this new journey, that she was employed by several computer companies such as Soft Tech, Data General Cooperation and Sun Micro Systems.  In 2009, she retired from Sun Micro Systems.  After many years of hard work, she made a host of life-long friends.

In 2000 Sandy took a trip to Louisiana to visit and spend some time with friends.  On this trip, she met DuWayne Lynn Baldwin, who not only changed the course of her life but also the course of her heart.  Sandy and DuWayne bonded immediately and had so many things in common, such as their love for football, their children and especially Maury Povich.  After countless hours of telephone conversations and tons of love letters, it was quite evident that this match was magical. Not wanting to go another minute apart, they both decided it was best that they settle in San Diego, CA.  On March 24, 2001, they were united in marriage and remained united until the day God called her home. 

Approximately 2010 Sandy began experiencing health issues.  She battled a lot of surgeries and hospital visits.  Through it all, Sandy remained a fighter as she maintained her smile and offered encouragement for others. Even with her fighting spirit and numerous defeats, her passing is still devastating.  It was God who had the final say, and it was on this day, October 6, 2017, at the stroke of midnight, that God brought her home.  

Sandy Baldwin was preceded in death by her loving parents, Dorothy Ruth Jefferson-Johnson and Tuner James Johnson Jr.; brother, Tuner James Johnson III; Grandparents; Naomi Porter-Jefferson, Hadee Jefferson, Turner James Johnson Sr. and Elma Johnson. Aunt; Ellen Sparks and Uncle; Arthur Sparks.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories, her beloved husband, DuWayne Lynn Baldwin; two children; Kenneth James Holland III and Kendra Janai Holland-Curtis; Grandchildren, Kobie Janai Holland, Kendra Janai Curtis, Jordan Simone Holland; five step-children, Angela Flanigan, Joshua Flanigan, Jarell Baldwin, Myra Baldwin, Mario Baldwin; nineteen step-grandchildren; one sister, Jacqueline L. (Eugene) Hester; one niece; Monique Holloway-(Jamarr) Johnson; four great nieces, two great nephews; one great-great nephew; three God-children, Anthony Holland, Sidney Phipps and Annemarie (Daron) Westbrook, along with a host of extended family whom she loved as if they were her own.