Larry Long will be performing his song, Blest DeGalynn, in honor of DeGalynn Wade Sanders at her memorial on Friday, May 20th. DeGalynn passed away May, 14th, at age 43. She had a vibrant and caring spirit. She was an attorney, mentor and volunteer. DeGalynn was an honor student, and one of the initial Page Scholars.
She received many awards, including Ms. Black Minnesota (1994-95), second runner up to National Ms. Black America, and designation as the outstanding Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services Employee of the Year.
DeGalynn is survived by her loving husband, Lance Sanders, beloved sons, Landen (9) and Logan (6); mother, Lynn Wade of Mound, MN; father, Larry Leventhal of Plymouth, MN; parents-in-law, Clarence and Lucile Sanders of Chicago, IL; brother, Delon (Norma) Wade, of Mpls. MN; sister, Deouna Wade of Anoka, MN; sister-in-law, Vanessa Henri of Chicago, IL; brothers-in-law, Clarence (Cheryl) Sanders, Jr. and Norbert Sanders of Chicago, IL; and many loving nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins. She is further survived by her “sisters” who have supported each other through the years, Ami Richardson, Jill Westberry, Paris Gatlin, Edwinna Johnson and Neva Walker. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Pearl and Roger Wade and Robert and Sally Leventhal as well as nephew Dominque Wade. The memorial service for DeGalynn will be held on Friday, May 20th at the Living Word Christian Center, 9201 – 75th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Gathering will commence at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. Lunch following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Landen Sanders and Logan Sanders c/o Mill City Credit Union 9999 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305, for their college education.
Blessed DeGalynn
As sweet as the blossoms
Which grow in the springtime
As soft as the pedals
Upon Mother Earth
The seeds you have planted
Now grow in the sunshine
The fruits of your children
Forever give birth
Blessed DeGalynn
Oh how we love you
Wife, mother and daughter
A beautiful life
Like Sarah, like Esther
A strong brown woman
A gift to the people
Vibrant in all ways
As a Page Scholar
A lawyer, a blessing
All you have given
Shall not fade away
Blessed DeGalynn
Oh how we love you
Wife, mother and daughter
A beautiful life
Always there for your children
Always there for your husband
Always there for your father
Your mother, your friends
To always remember
All you have given
Shall not be forgotten
For love has no end
Blessed DeGalynn
Oh how we love you
Wife, mother and daughter
A beautiful life
Words & music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 2016/BMI