In memoriam: Amanda Sandiford, Virginia Cooperative Extension program assistant

Amanda Deatress Thigpen Sandiford, an Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program assistant with the Family Nutrition Program in Henrico County, passed away on April 18, 2021. 

Sandiford was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and spent time working for the state of Virginia and in banking. 

During her career in Extension, Sandiford was passionate about helping people and found great pleasure in assisting clients to learn how to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. She went above and beyond to accommodate clients who required translators to ensure they would get the knowledge they needed.

“Amanda was a ray of sunshine, always positive, always uplifting, and always offered a kind word,” said Shevonne Newby, a Virginia Cooperative Extension area coordinator. “She had a knack for turning your mood around even if you were having a bad day.”

Amanda is survived by her husband, Michael Sandiford; daughters, Danyelle Sandiford, Kristina Sandiford; her father, Billy Thigpen ll; siblings Michael Thigpen, Tenisha Thomas, Esoterica Berry, Theresa Thomas, Sabrina Thigpen, Annette Alvarez, Milton Anderson, Brenda Jean Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Amanda Sandiford please visit the Chiles Funeral Home Tribute Store.