Obituary: Ernestine Münzloher Sanford (Webb)

Ernestine Münzloher Sanford (Webb)

December 22, 1937 – April 30, 2026

Ernestine Münzloher Sanford (Webb), age 88, passed away on April 30, 2026. She was born on December 22, 1937, in Moosburg, Germany, and was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Matthias and Theresa Münzloher, who played a central role in shaping her life and values.

Ernestine was a devout Protestant whose faith guided her throughout her life. She was a woman who stood firm in her beliefs, carrying herself with quiet strength, conviction, and grace.

She was married to Thomas Harrison Sanford Jr. and George Henderson Webb Jr., and was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her daughters, Gisela Sanford Stroud and her husband Clarence Stroud, and Teresa Susan Sanford.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Thomas Aaron Sutton and Ashley Nicole Stroud McGowan and her husband Nic McGowan, and a cherished great-grandmother to Jade Mikala Sutton.

Ernestine will be remembered as an excellent storyteller who brought warmth and life to every gathering. She found joy in the simple and meaningful things—keeping a beautifully manicured lawn, tending to her vegetable garden, and cooking meals that brought her family together. Her home was a place of care, comfort, and love.

Her legacy is one of devotion—to her faith, her family, and the life she built with intention and strength. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be held on May 9 at 1:00 pm at Ernestine’s home, followed by a short reception for family and friends. The family requests that you wear purple/lavender in memory of Ernestine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the George & Ernestine Webb Academic Assistance Program at Lenoir Community College Foundation at P.O. Box 188, Kinston, NC 28502 or www.lenoircc.edu/foundation/ or the Lenoir County SPCA at P. O. Box 1481, Kinston, NC 28501 or https://www.lenoircountyspca.com .