Sandra Thorpe

Deaconess Sandra Thorpe

Early on the morning of Saturday, August 2, 2025, a divine proclamation was issued for Sandra Thorpe by Almighty God, bidding her to receive her eternal reward for a faithful and committed life in Christ Jesus. Sandra answered the call and transitioned to eternity peacefully. Born on December 3, 1941, in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Sandra Thorpe was the beloved and only daughter of the late Zora B. Williams and William A. Johnson.

She moved to Albany, NY, at an early age with her mother. After graduating from Albany High School, she matriculated and graduated from the Carnegie Institute in Boston, MA. Sandra met the love of her life and future husband, Earl Thorpe, in 1958. The couple united in Holy Matrimony on July 2, 1961, at the Metropolitan New Testament Missionary Baptist Church and remained married for 64 years until her passing. That blessed union produced four daughters: Lisa, Vanessa, Tamara, and Shanta; and one son, Earl. Sandra had an extensive work history in the medical field.

She began her career as an associate in the office of Dr. Harry Jasper, Child’s Hospital, and as a Hematology Technician at the Albany Medical Center. She later became a biologist for the Sterling Winthrop Co. and worked there for over a decade. She was a Senior Medical Technician at LabCorp after she retired. A woman of diverse talents, she was a licensed Real Estate Broker and member of the National Board of Realtors. She helped to secure the church parsonage during the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Drake. She was the realtor of record for many homes sold under the local HUD administration and Albany’s Making Home Affordable Program with Key Bank and Charles Touhey & Associates. She was deeply committed to civil rights, social justice, and civic responsibilities.

She was co-chairperson for the South End Neighborhood Community Action Project (SENCAP), the first Anti-Poverty Community Action Program in Albany’s history. She was a dedicated member of Alpha Chi Omega Chi, Inc., M.C. Lawton Civic and Cultural Club, Inc., Empire State Federation of Women, Inc., and many other organizations. However, her commitment to the mission of Jesus Christ, God’s people, and her church was unparalleled. Sandra was a member of Metropolitan through every pastor and seasons of growth and expansion. She was a lifelong Home Mission, Deaconess Ministry, Food Pantry, and Outreach Committee member.

She served on the Bereavement, Hospitality, Decorations, Church Picnic ministries, and oversaw the Culinary and Kitchen ministry. For over 20 years, she served as the Pastor’s Anniversary committee Chair and Co-Chair and believed that presentation, etiquette, and excellence were essential Sandra’s legacy is written in her love and joy for her family. Her mother, Zora B. Williams, and her father, William A. Johnson, preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory her treasured husband, Earl Thorpe; her beloved children: Lisa Thorpe-Fraley (Frank), Vanessa Thorpe, Tamara Dorsey (Wayne), Rev. Earl Y. Thorpe Jr., Ph.D., and Shanta Thorpe; Adored grandchildren: Danika, Franklin, Allana, Elijah, Langston, Sandra, Keith Noah, Kymel and Ashanti. Cherished cousins: Truette Thedford, Brenda Williams, and Vackie Lucas, the Brown, Stones, Strickland, and Walker Families; Her precious extended family: Annette Baskerville, Jody Allen, Lucinda Barney, Tarasha McKoy, Vivian Smythe; the Avery, Tucker, Crossman, and Chandler Families; numerous adopted Godchildren, and countless friends near and far.

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