Sandra Jean Doyle

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF SANDRA JEAN (MITCHELL) DOYLE

Sandra Jean (Mitchell) Doyle peacefully transitioned from this life to eternal rest on April 1, 2026. She was born on November 27, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas, to F.G. Mitchell, Jr. and Lillie Alpha (James) Mitchell. She was the seventh of eight children.

Sandra spent her childhood years growing up at 525 Albert Street on the West Side of San Antonio, where she built lifelong friendships and maintained close bonds with those dear to her throughout her life.

At the age of six, Sandra accepted Christ and was baptized at West End Baptist Church on Culebra Avenue. As a proud “D.K.” — a Deacon’s Kid — she was raised in a family deeply rooted in faith and service. The Mitchell family was known as the first to arrive at church and the last to leave. Sandra was an active and dedicated member, serving on the Usher Board, singing in the Choir, attending Sunday School and BYPU, and participating in numerous youth conferences and church auxiliaries.

Sandra was also very active in her community. She participated in Parks and Recreation sports, including baseball, track, ping pong, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, washers, and checkers. She was also a member of her junior high basketball team and proudly part of a City Championship team.

She attended Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School, Paul Lawrence Dunbar Jr. High School, and Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, graduating in 1970. She later attended San Antonio College before relocating to Los Angeles, California in 1972. There, she continued her education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master’s degree, Cum Laude, from California State University, Long Beach.

Sandra had a vibrant, outgoing personality and had a remarkable ability to connect with people wherever she went. She was a woman of integrity and faith, often ending her words of encouragement with, “God’s got it.” She believed in standing strong, holding your head high, and never giving up. Many of her nieces and nephews sought her guidance, wisdom, and encouragement—and she always made herself available to uplift and support them.

She had a natural leadership spirit from a young age. As a child, Saturday mornings meant chores—and she made sure they got done. She would start her commands, and the war began. Her younger sister Terena sometimes challenged her authority, and together they learned valuable lessons along the way. Sandra carried that same strength and playful spirit into adulthood, often teasing her girls, nieces and nephews with, “Don’t be havin’ no Hateraide.”

In Los Angeles, Sandra married Walter Nelson Doyle. From this union, she was blessed with two daughters, Tanesha Michelle (Doyle) Farrow and Catrina Jamara Doyle. She was a devoted mother who instilled discipline, education, and excellence in her children. She ensured they participated in various programs to expand their opportunities, and she emphasized the importance of reading—requiring daily reading, writing, and recitation from an early age.

Sandra was also blessed with cherished grandchildren: Malachi Shamorian Farrow and Elisha Elise Hernandez-Farrow. She later made her home in Temecula, California before relocating to Beaumont, California, where she remained until her transition.

Sandra deeply loved her family. Her bond with her siblings was strong and unwavering. When her younger sister became seriously ill, Sandra lovingly moved in for four months to care for her until she regained her strength.

Throughout her career, Sandra held several positions, but her most fulfilling role was serving as Director of the Bethune Youth Employment Center in Rialto, California. There, she dedicated herself to mentoring and guiding young people, helping them gain valuable skills and secure employment opportunities.

Sandra was also an active member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She faithfully supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a long-time donor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, F.G. and Lillie Alpha Mitchell; her brothers Marvene, Bennie, Harrel, and Alfred Mitchell; and her sisters Darceil (Mitchell) Williams and Carolyn (Mitchell) Armstrong.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters, Tanesha Michelle (Doyle) Farrow and Catrina Jamara Doyle; her grandchildren, Malachi Shamorian Farrow, Rebecca Farrow (Malachi’s wife) Elisha Elise Farrow-Hernandez, and Maximus Hernandez (Elisha’s husband); her sister Terena Mitchell- Bush; her brother-in-law Eddie “Gebo” Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She is now reunited with her parents and siblings, who stood waiting at Heaven’s gate with open arms to welcome her home.

Sandra will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Though we grieve her passing, we take comfort in knowing that her love, her strength, and her legacy will live on in each of us.

Rest in Peace, Sandra. Absent from the body, and present with the Lord.