Sandra Showalter-Williams was born in West Virginia and moved to New York City at the age of 19 with her nine siblings, beginning a journey marked by determination, excellence, and service.

In 1973, Sandra started her career with C&P Telephone Company. Just one year later, she made history by becoming the company’s first minority executive secretary—a testament to her work ethic and leadership. Following the company’s transition to Bell Atlantic in 1984, and later to Verizon in 2000, Sandra continued to rise professionally. While at Verizon, she worked in the real estate department, where she managed and oversaw real estate payments across the entire country.

Her dedication and skill were unmatched—so much so that upon her retirement, it reportedly took 30 employees to replace the work she handled alone. She was later brought back as a consultant to ensure the continued success and accuracy of the department she once led.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sandra was a devoted wife, mother of two, grandmother of three, and great-grandmother of one. More importantly, she was a true philanthropist.

Sandra believed deeply in uplifting others. She invested in individuals by helping them start businesses, provided financial support to keep struggling businesses afloat, and extended compassion to anyone in need. Her generosity was rooted in a powerful belief: that strong communities are built when people serve and support one another.

Often described as “a rose blooming in a concrete jungle,” Sandra had a rare gift—she made people feel seen, heard, and valued. Her life was defined by compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.

Sandra Showalter-Williams leaves behind a legacy not only of professional excellence, but of giving, empowerment, and love for humanity.