Shirley “Elaine” Sawyer Sanford, age 91, of Mobile, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in Mobile. 

Elaine was born September 25, 1935, in Monroe County, Alabama, the first child of Harvard T. and Lucille Holloway Sawyer. In December of 1941, the family moved to Mobile, and eventually settled in the Chickasaw community after World War II, where she graduated from Vigor High School in 1952. In 1960, she married Robert Sanford in Mobile.

Elaine worked as a bookkeeper at Brookley Air Force Base and later in the manufactured home industry, including Crabtree Home Sales. She was a member of the Needam Bryan Chapter of National Daughters of the American Revolution, and a faithful member of Christ United Church and United Methodist Women.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvard T. Sawyer, Lucille Holloway Sawyer; brother, Wendell Sawyer; and a sister, Celia Sawyer.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert “Bob” Sanford; three children, Robert “Bob” Sanford Jr (Julie Tanner), Eric Sanford (Sandra Johnson), Jennifer Sanford Mitchell (Kevin Mitchell); brothers, Malcolm Sawer, Terry Sawyer (Carolyn), Norville Sawyer (Regeina), sister, Emily Blount (Bob Blount); sister-in-law, Sandy Napier Sawyer; grandchildren, Joseph Sanford (Chelsey), Brannan Sanford (Kristina),Taylor Sanford (Kristi), Kaitlyn Bracey, Cameron Bracey, Neil Smith (Brandy), Angela Smith, Amanda Borries (Eric); great-grandchildren, Autumn Sanford, Tanner Sanford, Aspen Borries, Ansley Borries; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

A celebration of Elaine’s life will be announced at a later date.