Sandra Ann Rayford

Sandra Ann Rayford, affectionately know as "Rae", passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the age of 68.

Sandra was born May 18, 1958, to Emma and George Rayford. She was born and raised in San Francisco, California, where she met her wife and life partner of 35 years, Martha A. Howell. Later in life, Sandra moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to join her mother, brothers, and sister, where she ultimately decided to make Louisville her home.

Sandra did not have children of her own, but she was a loving stepmother to her stepdaughter, Roslyn Howell, and her son, Theodore Woody.

Sandra was fun, loving, brave, supportive, and very protective of her family. She was always, happy, which was best for everyone because when "Rae" came out, you knew it was a problem! If you know, you know.

We come together to remember a beautiful soul who graced our lives with her presence. As we bid farewell to Sandra's physical being, we carry with us the cherished memories that will continue to illuminate even the darkest of corners of our sorrow. Sandra's departure was unexpected and leaves behind a void that words struggle to fill. Though she is no longer physically, her love, laughter, strength, and memories will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. 

Sandra is survived by her wife, Martha Howell; her brothers, George Rayford Jr. and Chris Evans; her sister, Denise Rayford; her sisters-in-law, Georgia James, Emma Griffin and Stephanie Smith; and her brothers-in-law, John Griffin, Raymond Griffin, Herman Smith, and Eddie Griffin. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Roslyn Howell; nieces, Ariva Smith, Edrena Cosby, and Yvonne Fulk; nephews, Herman Smith, Christopher Kennedy, and Walter Meanuns; great-nephews, Johnathan Fulks, Michael Cosby, Larry Broaden, Aikihiro Smith, Tavaurus Smith, and Kahlil Kennedy; and great-nieces, Talisa Meanus, Kalia Butler, and Laqueshia Meanus. Sandra also leaves behind great-great nephews; twelve great-great nieces; four great-great nephews; two great-great-great nieces, and one great-great-great nephew.

Sandra is preceded in death by both her parents, Emma and George Rayford; her son, Theodore Woody; her aunts, Ruby, Daisy, and Mae; her sisters, Carolyn Meanus and LaDonna McGilberry; and her nephews, Larry and George Meanus. 

Sandra will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her memory will live on through the family and friends who were blessed to know and love her. May she rest peacefully and forever remain in our hearts. 

Visitation will be Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 12pm-2pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel, 10304 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY, with a celebration of Sandra's life beginning at 2pm. 

To leave a special memory of Sandra for the family, please visit the "Guestbook" below.