Sandra Anderson Baccus

Sandra Anderson Baccus Even as a small child, Sandra Anderson Baccus had a big laugh - and big dreams. She never outgrew either. Sandra left us last February, but her spirit will always be with those who loved her and whose lives were touched by her generosity. A memorial service is planned for Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. at Remembrance Gardens, 4214 Capital of Texas Highway. Sandra made her life in Atlanta, but her ties to Central Texas were strong. Sandra, born Sept. 13, 1945, was the daughter of Ada Collins Anderson and the late Marcellus Jack Anderson of Austin. Her parents became well known and widely respected members of the Austin community and society. Sandra grew up in Austin and exhibited leadership skills that were on display throughout a life well lived. She was president of her seventh grade class and had the honor of presenting red roses to Eleanor Roosevelt who was in Austin. Sandra left Austin to attend Boston University and later City College of New York, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Education. An ongoing education at the university of life followed the academic training. Sandra was known for her ability to organize, focus and demanded the best of herself and others. She led by example, generously sharing time and money. When a friend needed help paying health insurance premiums, Sandra was there. When arts or community groups in her adopted hometown of Atlanta needed a strong leader, Sandra was there as leader, advocate and guide. "It's not easy being queen," she often joked, but she had the energy and style to make it look easy. Aside from her philanthropic work, she built and grew businesses with her husband, the late Dr. Lloyd Baccus. Besides founding enterprises dedicated to correctional medical services and renewable energy, Sandra and her husband established a firm that specialized in repairing voting and lottery machines in Georgia. The community and corporate boards that Sandra served on included the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Georgia Primary Bank, the national Black Arts and Fashion Festival and the African American Experience Fund of the National Parks Service. She was patroness of the Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, the African American Collections at Emory University in Atlanta, and the Sheriff's Youth Homes. It's just a partial list of her activities but one that reflects her commitment to making life better for others and her appreciation for the arts. She believed in developing leaders and nurturing artists. Survivors include her mother Ada Collins Anderson of Austin; an aunt, Thelma Jean "Jeanie" Collins and numerous cousins. Her father, M.J. Anderson Sr., her brother, M.J. Anderson Jr. and her husband, Dr. Lloyd Baccus preceded her in death. Sandra believed in people, in life and that big laugh of hers made you know how much she enjoyed people and living. A light so bright can be dimmed, but never extinguished. Obituary and guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com