Mrs. Mary E. Tomlinson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Sanford-Tomlinson, affectionately known as “Nan,” and “Mae,” was born on Friday, December 23, 1949, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to the union of the late William Joseph (Ham) Sanford and Ruth Mae Sanford. Nan was a very bright student; she received straight A’s and distinguished honors throughout her years of education. Mary received her formal education at Bishop McDevitt High School, graduating Class of 1968. Mary was joined in Holy Matrimony with her husband Willie on March 13, 1976. She surrendered her life to Jesus at any early age. Throughout the 1990’s, Mary was a member of Millennium Church of God In Christ, Steelton, PA, where she became an ordained evangelist under the leadership of Elder Truman Marshall. Mary was a faithful member of RAW Word Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Enoch McKnight. Mary also served in many areas throughout the Church of God In Christ community. In her service to the various churches, she ministered as a Sunday School Teacher, Praise and Worship Leader, Youth Choir Director, Prayer Warrior, Bible Study Teacher, Missionary, YPWW Teacher and Evangelist. Nan also dedicated fifteen years of service as a youth minister, imparting spiritual and academic realities to girls and boys at Shaffner Detention Center. Mary was employed with and retired after thirty-five years of service from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Fiscal Assistant Tech Supervisor. Mary also took part in prayer groups with her fellow coworkers on a daily basis. Mary had a very loving personality with genuine love and empathy for others. Mae was known for baking her delicious pound and cheese cakes. She also had many family gatherings where she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Nan loved to participate in testimony service, never wanting to miss an opportunity to tell the world about our Lord and Savior. She would sing one of her favorite songs before testifying, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all He’s done for me, my soul cries out Hallelujah, I thank God for saving me.” Mae was always willing to tell anyone who would listen about the love of Jesus and passionate about winning souls for Christ. Her favorite words were, “I’m not leaving home, I’m going home.” Mary continuously gave her all in praise and worship to the Lord. Whenever asked how she was doing, no matter her circumstances, her response was always, “All Is Well, I’m Blessed.” Even during the many trials of illness, Nan continued to ‘Lean on the Everlasting Arms of the Lord.’ When her sight dimmed, her faithful friend and sister-in-Christ, Elaine McPherson, read the Word to her. Mary transitioned from the labors of her earthly life to her reward of eternal life while at her Harrisburg, PA, home on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. She was preceded in death by her father, William Joseph Sanford, and her brother, William Joseph (Butch) Sanford Jr. She leaves to celebrate her life her husband, Willie Tomlinson Jr.; mother, Ruth M. Sanford; daughters, Erica Tomlinson, Lisa Tomlinson and Christina McCoy; son, David Reed; brother, Edward Sanford (Delphene); sisters, Vivian Brown, Theresa Holland and Thalia McClenton; fifteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren whom she loved so dearly; God children, Kelly Wilson and Hope Thompson; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends. Respectfully submitted by the Family of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Sanford-Tomlinson

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Mrs. Mary E. Tomlinson

December 23, 1949 - July 19, 2017