Obituary of Sandra Lee Mickens-Pinkney

Sandra Lee Mickens was born on November 23, 1964, to the late George H. and Esther R. Mickens. Sandra was the 5th of nine children. Sandra was an active child. She loved hula hooping and was a great dancer. Sandra was educated in the Philadelphia School System attending Hartranft Elementary, Stetson Junior High and graduated from William Penn High School in 1982. She went on to attend the Program System Institute and received her certificate in computer programming. Sandra’s first professional job was at Fox Rothschild Law Firm where she worked as a legal secretary over twenty years. Sandra went on to work as Human Resource Specialist at Philadelphia Housing Authority. Her last job before she became disabled was at Pampering Plus, Inc. where she was the Human Resources Director. Sandra made many friends and developed good relationships with many of her acquaintances. She was always the “go to” person. Sandra’s Apostolic journey began when she started attending Christ Mission of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. under the pastorate of her grandmother the late Pastor Pearl Mickens. She continued under two successor leaders, the late Pastor Florine Moore, and Pastor Viola J. Cullars. On December 14, 1974, at the age of 10 Sandra was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost. Her faith in God was cultivated through God’s Word. Sandra served on many ministries within Christ Mission including positions as Choir Director, Youth President, Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Auxiliary Secretary, Church Planning Committee Chairperson, Special Events Planner and Psalmist. She was a great motivator especially to the youth. Sandra was active in the Eastern and South States Council (ESSC) of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. (PCAFI) where she served on the Young People’s Planning Committee, LADWEC’s Registration and Hospitality Committee and Choir. In 1986 she received a certificate from the Evangelistic Teacher’s Association (ETA) which certified her to teach Sunday School. Sandra’s love for Christ and her work in Christ Mission were endless. Her goal was to serve God and his people with excellence. On December 27, 2003, Sandra married the love of her life, Norman F. Pinkney. As a newlywed she relocated to attend church with her husband at The Rehoboth Temple COGIC under Bishop George A. Williams, as always Saundra was an asset to this ministry as well. She served as the Director for the Adult Choir, YPWW Instructor, Elders and Ministers Wives Circle, Praise Team and whatever her anointed hands found to do. It was often requested by Bishop Williams that Saundra would sing Can’t Nobody Beat God being God! Their marriage was ordained and blessed by God from the beginning and God shined on this marriage. On May 15, 2007, their first child was born, Jewelianna. On December 23, 2014, Taniya and Giona were added to the Pinkney family. Norman Jr. joined the family on October 31, 2016. God has truly smiled on this family. They hold and carry a bond and love for each other. September 11, 2011, Elder Norman and Sandra started the New Covenant Life COGIC. The ministry began with 9 people in attendance, but quickly grew to over 75 active members. In 2013 Sandra was licensed as an Evangelist. Saundra was the heartbeat of New Covenant Life; she handled all of the administrative and social affairs of the church. In 2018 Saundra suffered a massive stroke which left her physically impaired. Her illness had major impact on the ministry. In 2023 the Pinkney Family began to worship with Tabernacle of Faith COGIC under the leadership of Bishop Tyrone W. McCombs. Even in illness Saundra still loved, praised and magnified the Lord and looked forward to the services at Tabernacle of Faith. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband Elder Norman F. Pinkney, four children, Taniya, Giona, Jewelianna and Norman, Jr., seven sisters Brenda, Sharon, Wanda, Georgianna, Leticia, Jacqualine, Stephanie, and two brothers who proceeded her in death Antonio and Kevin. Many godchildren, including a unique goddaughter named Jennifer and a special godmother named Marie Screven, as well as a large number of nieces and nephews. Special caretaker Ms. Carla.