Sadie Caldwell-Crenshaw

Sadie Mae Caldwell-Crenshaw was born on September 17, 1939, in Saint Matthews, SC to the late Pearline Bonaparte Caldwell and James W. Caldwell. On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Alexandria, VA, Sadie peacefully took the hand of the Lord. Sadie grew up in the Bronx, New York where she attended Jane Adams High School whilst attaining her cosmetology license. Growing up in the Bronx, Sadie enjoyed playing games recognizable by most New Yorkers like Lodies, Johnny-Ride-A-Pony, and Ringalivio. She had a passion for dancing, cooking, theatre, sports, and family events.

After high school, she had an opportunity to be one of the first African American employees at Saks Fifth Ave. There she encountered Sanford T. Crenshaw II and they soon married. Through their union, Sanford T. Crenshaw III (Chip) was born. Sadie then matriculated to the City College of New York & Fordham University earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees respectively, in education and psychology. Her accomplishments allowed her to teach in the New York City school system for over 20 years where she had a longstanding impact on not only her students but her peers and superiors.

Upon retirement, she relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC where she enthusiastically became a charter member of the local AARP chapter, Gold Key Jazz Club, and local theatre. Due to her love for educating the youth, she volunteered, mentored, and tutored in the Horry County School District. Sadie spent her past time watching classic movies like Westerns and musicals. She enjoyed ballroom dance and loved styles like jazz, tap, jive, and ballet. Every 2 years she was tuned in to the Olympics to catch the USA gymnastics and figure skating. Sadie not only supported mainstream arts and athletics, but she was also an even bigger fan of all her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews’ endeavors. Sadie absolutely adored her

grandchildren Wardell Je’son, Sanford Chan, and Devin Armond; greatgrandchildren Eli Thomas & Autumn Nicole and loved spending time with them whether it was taking them to Central Park, bowling or even playing Scrabble.

Moreover, she loved to travel and experience the world whether it was a new location or restaurant. If anyone could bolster up a meal that is the definition of a hearty home-cooked meal that is a representation of a matriarch’s love, it was Sadie. She loved to cook for her family and always made sure you left fed and with a care package to go. Her memory shall remain engraved on our hearts and minds forever.

Sadie Mae Caldwell-Crenshaw was preceded in death by her mother and father, Pearline Bonaparte Caldwell & James W. Caldwell; husband Sanford Thomas Crenshaw II; her maternal and paternal grandparents; uncles, aunts, brothers; Milton Caldwell (Ellen Caldwell), and James Caldwell (Barbara Caldwell); sister, Johnnie Louise Caldwell, and nephew Jody Daniel Caldwell. Sadie leaves an abundance of loved ones as our Heavenly Father carries her home along with lifelong memories that will be cherished by all who loved her; that includes her son, Sanford Thomas Crenshaw III (Kenya Crenshaw); three grandchildren, Wardell Je’son Smith, Sanford Thomas Crenshaw IV, and Devin Armond Crenshaw; two great-grandchildren, Eli Thomas Crenshaw & Autumn Nicole Smith; her brothers, Jimmie Lee Caldwell, Sr. (Lorraine Thomas-Caldwell), Dean Caldwell (late Orie May Caldwell), Ernest Caldwell (Crystal Caldwell), David Caldwell (Karen Caldwell); and her sister, Gloria Caldwell-Ott (Horace Ott) along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Mason Temple Church of God in Christ.  There will be a viewing 1 hour before the service.  Interment will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Mount Holiness Memorial Park, Butler, NJ.

Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Conway Chapel is assisting the Caldwell-Crenshaw Family

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