Willie Faye Sandifer

Rev. Willie Faye Marbles Sandifer, affectionately known as "Faye," was born on December 23, 1933, to Jessie Marbles and Emma Jean Mathis Marbles in Kemp, Texas. She transitioned to her eternal home on December 20, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and service. 

Faye received her early education at Kemp Colored School and, through the sacrifice of her family, graduated from St. Peter’s Academy for Girls in Dallas, Texas. She went on to attend Texas College in Tyler, Texas, and pursued a career in the business and banking sector. 

In 1958, Faye married the love of her life, Charles Dave Sandifer. Together, they raised six wonderful children: Phyllis, Gregory, Richard, Crystal, Peggy, and Gerald. 

Christ was always at the forefront of Faye’s life. She professed her faith at a young age and was baptized at Glasgow Chapel A.M.E. in Kemp, Texas, by her grandfather, Rev. Frank Mathis. Upon moving to Dallas, she joined St. Paul A.M.E., where she sang in the choir until she was called into ministry. Faye served as an associate minister at Gaines Chapel A.M.E. and Rice Chapel A.M.E. and began her pastoral journey on the Chatfield-Timothy Circuit. 

Faye was a passionate advocate for women’s participation and leadership in ministry. As an influential leader of the Interdenominational Women of Clergy, she championed efforts to break down gender barriers, paving the way for many women to become respected religious leaders. 

Her pastoral work included leading Murph-Miller A.M.E., founding Ezra Chapel A.M.E. in Dallas, and serving as an assistant pastor at Ezra Household of Faith under Bishop Barron Nelson as well as Knight Chapel. Her final membership was with Grace and Mercy Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully under the leadership of the late Rev. Benny Brown and Rev. Freddy Aubrey. 

Faye’s favorite hymn was “I Woke Up This Morning with My Mind Stayed on Jesus,” and her cherished scripture was Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Her motto, “I’m hopping but I ain’t stopping,” reflected her relentless spirit and unwavering faith. 

Above all, Faye loved God, her family, fishing, and playing dominoes. She believed in a lively and spirited church and lived her life spreading joy and love. 

Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Marbles and Emma Jean White; her children, Gregory Jefferson, Phyllis Medlock, and Lugene Medlock; her sister, Jessie Hart; and her grandson, Barry Sample. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Charles Sandifer; her children: Richard Jefferson, Crystal Sandifer, Peggy and Otis Carter, and Gerald and Sonya Sandifer; her brother, Calvin Marbles (Mary) of Little Rock, Arkansas; her beloved grandchildren: Victor and Tam Chandler (Latoria, Melody & Victor II, Jeremy, Chyna, Heavyn), Marcus Medlock (Marc D’Sean, Anaiyah, Tyvorian, Makaia), Jerome and Vicky Sandifer (Alexandria, Leah), Eric Reed (Aspen), (Lita, Austin, Barriuanna, Barry, Promise, Breyanna, Arrieyanna, Shiyanna, Zriyanna, Hannah, Austen), Victoria Chandler (Rashawn, Lebron, Ashlynn), Robbi Reed (JaDerius, JaDeja, Jada, Paul, Promise, Amariah), Vivian and Ray Fairley (Raevyn, Ryleigh, Ryan), Lagena and LaDurreon McGruder (Saniya, LaDurreon, De’rrion, La’Derrick, A’Layah, A’Miracle), Richard Jefferson Jr. (Jayden, Kyndall) and Jamar Sandifer. 12 great-great-grandchildren: Nova, Logan, Alaiah, JaCere, Jrue, Nymari, Emery. Special daughters-in-love Carrie, Wilma, and Charlotte; lifelong neighbors and best friends Helen and Ernest Bowen; and a host of relatives and friends also mourn her passing. 

Faye’s love, wisdom, and unwavering faith will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her