Wilbur Lee Sanford was born on August 2, 1935, in Lexington, Kentucky, the fourth child to bless the union of Lloyd and Catherine Sanford.  He departed this life at the age of 89 on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

The Sanford family attended the Wesley United Methodist Church, where Wilbur accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age, which was the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and service.

On February 28, 1965, Wilbur married the love of his life, Dorothy Moore Sanford.  Their marriage was a shining example of commitment, love, and partnership, lasting sixty beautiful years.  They had two children, James Alvin Sanford and Vanessa Ann Walker, both preceded him in death.

A LIFELONG LEARNER AND EDUCATOR

Wilbur was a proud product of the Lexington Public School System and a graduate of Dunbar High School's college preparatory program.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government (History) from Kentucky State University, where he also became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Mu Chapter.

His passion for education continued at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a degree in Elementary Education and later a Master of Arts with a minor in Counseling and Guidance.  Wilbur also pursued post-graduate Montessori studies at Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati.  He received a Master's Degree in Administration from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.  His dedication to academic excellence was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Cambridge University, London, England.

A CAREER DEDICATED TO UPLIFTING YOUTH

Wilbur began his teaching career in the North College Hill School System from 1960 to 1965, where he also served as President of the Teachers' Association and led a successful constitutional revision as Chair of the Legislative Committee.

In 1965, he joined the Cincinnati Public School System, dedicating ten years as a passionate classroom teacher at several elementary schools, including Quebec Heights, Douglas, and Cummins.  From 1966 to 1968, he also taught at the Cincinnati Bible Evening College.

In 1975, Wilbur transitioned into administration, beginning as an administrative intern at Heberle Elementary and becoming Assistant Principal the following year.  He then served as Assistant Principal at Clifton Elementary and later as Principal at Hoffman Elementary.  In 1980, he became Principal of Windsor Elementary, where he served for a decade.  He concluded his career at South Avondale Elementary, retiring in 1992.

Even after retirement, Wilbur's passion for teaching never waned.  In 1993, he returned to education, teaching summer school and Saturday Enrichment Programs.  He worked as a tutorial supervisor and returned to the classroom as a 6th-grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.  He also taught at NIA University, G.C.C.A., and Nu Bethe School in Dayton, Ohio.

COMMUNITY AND FAITH LEADERSHIP

Wilbur was deeply involved in community organizations.  He was a youth advisor for the 4-H Club, Boy Scouts of America, Avondale Community Council, and Youth Crime Intervention Programs.  He was a member of the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators and a strong advocate for educational equity and community engagement.

As a long-time member of Gaines United Methodist Church, he served as Director of Education, sang in the choir, and was an active member of the Usher Board.  On March 30, 2003.  Wilbur and Dorothy moved their membership to New Mission Missionary Baptist Church, where Wilbur participated in the Senior Usher Board and the Reach and Teach Ministry until his health began to decline.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Wilbur's contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Exemplary Service Award in 1987.  He was listed in Who's Who in América (24 edition) and Who's Who in the Midwest (1994-1995).  He also received the Community Service Award and the Youth Crime Intervention Recognition Award.  He was also nominated for the Distinguished Principal Award and Educator of the Year.  In addition, he was a proud member of St. John Lodge #3 and Sinai Temple, Cincinnati, Ohio.

CHERISHED MEMORIES

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Catherine; his siblings, Dora M. Sanford, Lloyd Sanford, Jr., Nathaniel Sanford, Sr., Ellen Bond, and William Sanford, Sr.; his beloved children, James Alvin Sanford and Vanessa Walker.

He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty years, Dorothy Moore Sanford.  He is lovingly remembered by his grandson, James Benjamin Sanford, and his granddaughters, Stephanie Johnson, Sauna Johnson, and Dorothy Halton, along with her husband, Terrell.  Wilbur also leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Ava Sanford, Xayvion Sanford, and Mikaela Malcom.

He will be fondly missed by his devoted sisters-in-law, Pastoria Weems and Melda (Alfred) Fant. Wilbur will also be deeply missed by special nieces Catherine Bond, Glenda Trumbo, and Wilma Sanford Williams, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, and friends whose lives he touched with his kindness, warmth, and generosity.

Wilbur Lee Sanford lived a life of faith, integrity, and service.  His enduring commitment to family, education, and community has left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, on  Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the New Mission Missionary Baptist Church, 4809 Ravenna Street, Cincinnati  (45227).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 12:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232.

To share a memory of Wilbur or leave a special message for the Sanford family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Sanford family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.