Rev. Anita Kristin Ouédraogo

Celebration of life: Our Star, Joyful Light, and now Angel; Rev. Anita Kristin Ouédraogo.

The families, Ouédraogo, Tiendrebéogo and Traoré (in Ouagadougou), Ilboudo (in Nambé), Ouédraogo and Bandé (in Zagtuli), Kompaoré and Ouédraogo (in Mugunsin) of Burkina Faso, Ouédraogo, Sanford, Björklund, Nicholson, Covington, Cummings, Notaras, Thomas, and Mayaki in the United States, the extended families and friends Tiendrebéogo, Savadogo, Barry, Tô, Diawara, Fulton, Tate, Jeter, Holland, Sheppard, Baldwin and many more gather to honor the extraordinary life of Rev. Anita Kristin Ouédraogo, born Sanford.

Anita Ouédraogo is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Grégoire Ouédraogo, her cherished children Tembila C. Covington, Tamara F. Cummings (Stephen Cummings, husband), Binta C. Ouédraogo-Notaras (Billy Notaras, husband), Rakéta A. Ouédraogo-Thomas (Brian Thomas, husband), and Wendyam M-J Ouédraogo (McKenzie Borunda, fiancée), and eight adored grandchildren Shani, Sean, Damian, Lauren, Elias, Kewe, Ethan, and Elise, and her beloved dog, Snoopy. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and God-children. Our Beloved Anita K. Ouédraogo passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, in Winston-Salem, after bravely fighting pancreatic cancer.

Born in Little Falls, Minnesota, to the late Jack and Frances Sanford, Anita was a sister to Harold Sanford, Jackie Beckwith, Jeffrey Sanford, Gale Rein, Galen Sanford, and Polli Drorbaugh. A highly accomplished individual, she earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration, a Master's in Theology, and was a certified spiritual life coach. Excelling in her career, Anita dedicated nearly 24 years to the U.S. Department of State in West Africa before returning to the United States in 1996.

Her commitment to public service continued as she worked as an administrator in community healthcare in California, leaving an indelible mark on those around her. Anita's impact extended beyond her professional life—she served pastorally at Crossing Red Sea Ministries in Rockingham, North Carolina, and remained actively engaged in her community, serving on public organization Boards, youth tutoring, supporting local food pantries and working with the census bureau.

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Anita played a pivotal role in her children's successes. Her cherished holiday traditions, including soap and lotion making, wine crafting, and holiday cookie baking, will be fondly remembered. Anita's green thumb, passion for sewing, and adventurous spirit brought vibrancy to her life's journey.

Remembered for her kindness, love,  professionalism, and unyielding spirit, Anita Ouédraogo leaves behind a legacy of joy, resilience and dedication to others. May she rest in peace.

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