A community says goodbye to Finkelstein security guard Sandra Wilson

Nancy Cutler
The Journal News

SPRING VALLEY - Hundreds filled the pews of First Baptist Church today to celebrate the life and Homegoing for Sandra Wilson, the Finkelstein Memorial Library security guard who was stabbed to death on Feb. 18. 

The service was punctuated by song and prayer, with sweet family memories shared by Wilson's younger brother, Ronnie Wilson.

As kids, the two would listen to their mom's R&B albums.

"We would put moves together and Sandra would act like the Soul Train line," Ronnie Wilson said with a smile. "She would be doing the Robot."

Ronnie Wilson recalled how the family went to a concert at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem when they were kids. "We jammed all night," he said.

Mourners gather for the funeral of Sandra Wilson at First Baptist Church in Spring Valley Feb. 24, 2020. Wilson, the Finkelstein Memorial Library security guard was stabbed to death on Feb.18th.

Ronnie Wilson recalled the love Sandra had for her mother and her siblings. But he recalled the mischief too. An older brother had a job as a teen and would buy his own snacks.

"We would help ourselves to his Nutter Butter cookies," Ronnie Wilson admitted. "She took our secrets from childhood with her." 

Ronnie said at times his sister Sandra Wilson was hurt and angry with his missteps. She encouraged him to be his best, he said, and "My sister left the tools for her kids to be the best they can be."

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There were few references to the violence that met Sandra Wilson, a woman described by her smile, her warmth, her positivity. Ronnie Wilson, though, made clear his sister's fondness for Finkelstein Memorial Library, where a man attacked Sandra as she performed her security guard duties.

"My sister loved life, she loved people, she loved her job," Ronnie Wilson said. "She was an amazing sister, and awesome daughter, a wonderful mother."

Sandra Wilson, a security guard at Finkelstein Memorial Library in Spring Valley, died on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, after she was stabbed.

Jermaine Paul, second-season winner of The Voice, shared an earthshaking rendition of "Amazing Grace" that brought congregants to their feet, palms raised to the sky.

Rev. Weldon McWilliams Jr., pastor of First Baptist, reminded congregants to rely on family and on God during this time.

"Every time you pick up the newspaper, you read something ... everybody's not in their right mind," McWilliams said. "Love one another. There's too much hatred in the world."

Burial followed at Brick Church Cemetery in New Hempstead. 

Meanwhile, Finkelstein Library reopened at 1 p.m. today for the first time since the brutal attack. As patrons trickled in this afternoon, a memorial to Sandra Wilson —with posters, flowers, balloons, and teddy bears — remained at the front entrance. 

Twitter: @nancyrockland