Mary Elizabeth Sandozz

Mary Elizabeth Sandozz, 88, departed this life Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, VA.

Our beloved mother was a proud native of Blandford, Petersburg, VA. She was the oldest of nine siblings whom she assisted with bringing into the world. While our hearts are heavy by her passing, we are grateful to God for the precious gift of her life and for the many years, memories, lessons, and love she shared with us.

Mary was a devoted wife who shared 55 years of marriage with her beloved husband. Together, they built a family and a life grounded in love, commitment, faith, and perseverance. She was a loving mother to nine children and devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family. She lovingly embraced the role of a domestic engineer, caring for her household and creating a home where her children and others could feel safe, loved, and welcomed. Her love extended beyond her own children, as she willingly cared for other children whenever family and friends needed babysitting assistance. She had a nurturing heart and considered caring for others a privilege.

To know her was to experience kindness, patience, respect, peace, and encouragement. She had a peaceful presence that could calm a room and an encouraging spirit that could lift you when you needed it most. Whenever she talked with you, she had a way of leaving you feeling valued, loved, and strengthened.

She endured life's challenges with strength and grace. She fought the good fight of faith without complaint, trusting God through every season even when she may not have understood the journey. She taught us, not only by what she said, but by how she lived.

Rest peacefully, your work here is done, but your love and legacy will live on forever in us.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Joseph Sandozz, Sr.; her son, Lester Joseph Sandozz, Jr.; and three daughters, Angela Marie Sandozz, Gwendolyn Denise Sandozz, and Pamela Marie Sandozz; brother, Robert Lee Williams; and her sister, Sally Spruill.

She leaves to cherish her two sons, Antonio J. Sandozz (Elsie) and Pedro J. Sandozz (Sandra) of Petersburg, VA; daughters, Katrina Mason (Ronale) of Prince George, VA, Valencia M. Noggin (Roger) and Quadella Jones (James) both of Chesterfield, VA; daughter-in-law, Michelle Sandozz of Petersburg, VA; four granddaughters, Quasean I. McLeod (Roy), Anisa G. Jones, Ralesha M. Noggin and Jasmine Sandozz; three grandsons; Devontè Sandozz, Jose D. Sandozz (Iman) and Roger A. Noggin III; six great grandkids, Jakaylah Sandozz, Anila and Shira Sandozz, Sire, Khari, and Righteous Gailliard; two sisters, JoAnne Jackson of Petersburg, VA and Rosa Lee Cox of Hopewell, VA; three brothers, Henry Williams, and Alexander Williams (Sylvia) both of Petersburg, VA, and Clifford Williams of Atlanta, GA; sister-in-law, Robin Williams; a host of nieces and nephews in Opelousas Louisiana, Beaumont, Houston, and Richmond Texas, and Petersburg, VA, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to her doctors, nurses, Liberty Dialysis Staff and the medical staff of Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS) of Petersburg, VA. We will always be thankful for your support and dedication in assisting with our loved one.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Monday, October 5, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 151 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VA, Father G. Rossi, officiant. The interment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Services will not be livestreamed.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.