Sandra E. Gumbs

Sandra Gumbs was born January 14, 1947 to Marion and Dorothy Carter, and grew up in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx as the sister to three brothers: Marion Jr. (Carter), Ronald, and Gerald. She dreamed of becoming an educator, using household furniture to create a schoolroom for her first pupils, her dolls and youngest brother Gerald. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1965, City College in 1971, and received her Masters in Education in 1974. She married Julio Gumbs in 1971 and had a pair of twins, daughters DeLaina and DeAndrea, in 1978. 

Sandra spent 35+ years as a teacher at her beloved P.S.87. Highlights included her partnership with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, which allowed her to shut down her third-grade classroom to mount a full opera, complete with 9-year-old actors, librettists, stagehands, composers, and musicians. She loved working at the school and had many friends, including Emily and Matthew. Sandra was also a cradle Presbyterian, attending Soundview Presbyterian as a girl and young adult, then First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon  for 40 years.

Sandra loved being on the praise dance team at First Presbyterian, singing alto in the church choir, and enjoying music and plays representing the black diaspora. Most of all, however, Sandra loved life with friends. Whether at a barbecue at her house with her neighbors, a get-together at the Gonzales’s, an event at the FPC Jazz Society, or drinking her way through Italy with her best friend Murdisia, her love for her community was palpable. 

Sandra is survived by DeAndrea, son-in-law Bryan, and grandson James Sabatos; DeLaina Gumbs and Julio Gumbs. She is also survived by her brothers Gerald and Ronald Carter; sisters-in-law Scharmaine Hardy, Toni Carter, Linda Carter, Patricia Carter; Dr. Murdisia Orr, beloved neighbors, the FPC congregation, friends, and loved ones. She was predeceased in death by Marion and Dorothy Carter, Marion Carter, June Rodgers, and Carol Miller. 

Special honor and gratitude to those who provided long-term care for Sandra during her battle with dementia: Ms Karlene Harris, Ms. Patricia Steele, Ms. Blondie Myrie, Ms. Roxanne Browne, and Ms Lorna Byfield.

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