ANNETTE SCHORRE SANFORD

I had the privilege of interviewing Ms. Sanford in her Ganado home for Texas Highways several years ago, and have just heard of her passing. She was as brilliant and genuine as her work, Texas's Eudora Welty, as fine a short story writer as anyone of her generation.

I believe when our time on Earth is through, the only things that truly matter are the lives we touched and the impact we made in this world. I think we all want to know we made a difference and that something of us will live on. That is exactly what Mrs. Sanford did--she touched us all through her teaching, writing and friendship. She made us believe we were important. She made us want to be better people. She made us want to succeed. Mrs. Sanford--YOU MADE A DIFFERNCE! Thank you for helping make me who I am today. May "flights of angels sing thee to thy rest" (Shakespeare).

I did not know Mrs. Sanford, but have been teaching her writing for years. My writing workshop is, in fact, about to discuss "Six White Horses," and in looking up some biographical info to share with my group, I discovered she had passed away in January. Her writing is, in my opinion, as good as it gets. I'm saddened that the literary world has lost her.

Mrs. Sanford was tthe nicest person I have ever met. I haveknow her all of my life. Ganado had the First Christian Church on the corner across from the First Baptist, my family, the Bakers and the Sanfords went to church at the First Christian . My sister and I remember when she and Lukey married. Lukey's Mom was still alive along with his Aunt Willa Maude White. All of the children were in awe of Mrs. Sanford, she was so wise and so beautiful and to top it off, she was a teacher. I think many of us kids decided then to grow and teach. She has been an outstanding model all of my life as Iam sure others.
Virginia"ginger" Baker Calder, Helen Baker Fletcher, Billy Rae Baker

Mrs. Sanford was indeed my favorite teacher, I have spoken of her with respect many times. If you were one of the lucky ones to be in her class you did learn, she was special. How blessed we were to have Mrs. Sandford teach in Ganado. Ganado. She never forgot her students and we will never forget her. Rest in Peace!

One of the most inspirational and kind teachers that I have ever had! Mrs. Sanford made the words in books & stories come "alive". It was as if I could see what wonderful persons, places, and things could be discovered by reading. She opened my world through reading. She also helped me appreciate poetry through her interpretations. Learning correct grammar, diagraming of sentences, and other parts of speech helped me in my writing. You were one of a kind, Mrs. Sanford. Many were blessed to have known you as a teacher, friend, and a writer...I truly was. May you rest in peace.

I can't say any more than what has already been said about such a great educator or the person that Mrs. Sanford was. We will never forget you or the wonderful, kind person that you were and the way you touched our many lives. Thank you for being you. Rest in Peace....you deserve it!

I have been an educator for 32 years and I always remember back to the good old days at GHS. Many teachers and coaches touched my life in one way or another but Mrs Sanford was always extra special to me. I greatly respected her not only as a great teacher but as a great person and role model. Thank you for your influence over my entire life----You will be missed by many people.

Thank you for being our mentor.
But most of all, thank you for being
our, unconditional friend. 20th Century,
numero uno English teacher @ GHS.
Rest in peace.

Jim Bauknight Houston, Texas

In 1964, my husband, Pat DeFoor (class of 1958) moved me and our son to Ganado to live with his mother and brother while he was aboard an aircraft carrier for 8 months. I can't tell you how many times I heard "Mrs. Sanford" from Pat, Ron (class of 1964), and their mother. Her name was spoken almost reverently. So many memories of days in her class. From twisting hair to twisting ears, she got the attention of her students. No one complained. Over 50 years have passed, and Mrs. Sanford is still remembered with great love and respect. She will be greatly missed--not only by her students, but by countless friends, and her community. Two verses in Proverbs 31 fit her perfectly. "She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." "Her children rise up and bless her. . ." Although she and Lukey had no biological children, she considered every student who entered her classroom as "hers." She has earned her crown. Mrs. Sanford, what a legacy!!

I will never forget the time in her class that John ("Babe") Housson asked her to give him an "A," and she took a tiny scrap of paper and wrote "A" on it and handed it to him. She was a great teacher and I always admired her, as did my whole family. We will miss her.

Mrs. Sanford was an incredible teacher and a very special lady. She inspired countless people to reach for the stars.

My favorite teacher of all time. She brought classic literature to our classroom, insired and challenged our hearts and minds. I pray her memory and spirit will roam the hallways of GHS and our hearts forever.

Mrs. Sanford was a wonderful Christian lady who touched many lifes and left an impact on my life. She will always be remembered and loved. She was my favorite English teacher and Sunday school teacher and I cherish the memories we had together. We would have Sunday school class at her house and watch the beautiful birds and discuss our Sunday school lessons. God bless you. You will always hold a special place in my heart.

I have thanked Mrs. Sanford many times in my heart, but after reading an article on January 1 about sending a thank-you note everyday for a year to the people who have been important or contributated to your life, I told my husband that I was going to send my FIRST thank-you to my high school English teacher. I found out the next day that our Mrs. Sanford had passed away. She was a wonderful teacher and I will be forever grateful that I was lucky enough to be one of her many students. I am just so sorry that I did not let her know how much I appreciated her years ago. She inspires me and I will write that thank-you to her and hope, that from the other side, Mrs. Sanford will not have to use her red pen too much. I love you Mrs. Sanford. Phyllis Morrow Kowalik, West Columbia, Texas (GHS Class of 1972)

Truly, a very special lady. She was my favorite teacher throughout high school. I enjoyed my visit with her through the years. God bless you Mrs. Sanford.
David Zajicek (Burton, Texas)

A very special lady, person, teacher and friend. Mrs. Sanford inspired many young students during her years of teaching in Ganado. I also knew her through my childhood years from attending the same church, First Christian Church in Ganado. She was truly a special Christian lady who has made her mark on many, many lives. If only there were more teachers, friends and women like her today. She will be missed, but will always have a special place in all of our hearts.
Jo Beth Tidmore Staff (Ganado)

Mrs. Sanford used the gentle voice of awesome teaching to guide and direct her students to create paragraphs of written expression, to appreciate various forms of literature, and to "think outside the box" before this saying was even created! She will be greatly missed and forever remembered as one of the BEST from Ganado High School. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Sanford.

I was a freshman when she came to Ganado; she was just starting
her teaching career. She endeared herself to her students then and continued throughout her career and life. She leaves a giant hole in our community. May she rest in peace.
Frances Kaspar Vesely, Ganado

There are no words to express how much Mrs. Sanford touched and inspired my life. She was a wonderful teacher and human being. I loved going to her classes and letting her fill my mind with great stories. Mrs. Sanford made me feel like I was the most important person in her class and for that I loved her so much. Thank you for touching my life may you rest in peace.

Dianne Gonzales Smith

What a special person and very likable person. I remember we used to go and visit her and she always touched our hearts. She always like to watch birds and all the wildlife as she walked down our street. You will be missed. May God Bless You and rest in peace.

What a great teacher and person who taught me so much about English and life. She touched so many lives and was a great role model. When talking about Annette Sanford it is impossible to use “great” too many times. I'm so glad she played an important part in my life. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you. Rest in peace.

The best teacher I ever had! She made English my favorite subject and instilled in me to become a avid reader as my adult. You will be greatly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to cross your path.

What an amazing teacher bringing English IV to life my senior year! She's the one teacher I'll remember for the rest of my life. She instilled in me my love of reading as an adult. You will be missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to know you. Rest in peace.

So many wonderful memories of Mrs. Sanford from GHS. She was such a wonderfully inspiring teacher. I loved her books & stories. They reflected her personality so well. She will be remembered lovingly. She was a beautiful lady inside as well as out. May she rest in peace with her beloved husband. My deepest sympathy to her family & friends.

An awesome, inspiring teacher, beautiful person!

A caring and beautiful person who gave much inspiration to her many students, friends and family. Best teacher I ever had thu-out high school and college-she never stopped growing and giving hope to many-may you rest in peace Annette Sanford!

There is no way that I or any of the people that Mrs. Sanford touched can ever thank her properly for what she meant to all of us. Rest in peace Mrs. Sanford...you earned it.