Sandra Pratt, a resident and candidate for Mount Laurel Township Council in the November 3rd general election, has strong ties to a locally known historical figure, dating back to the 1800’s.
Sandra’s great, great grandfather was Dr. James Still, also known as “The Black Doctor of the Pines”. Dr. Still was a self-taught herbalist. Even though he resided at “Crossroads” in Medford, Dr. Still treated patients with various maladies in Mount Laurel and many of the surrounding towns in Burlington County. Patients, both black and white traveled from long distances to seek his advice. His treatments benefitted many.
The Still family attended Jacob’s Chapel A.M.E. Church on Elbo Lane where Sandra’s brother, Rev. Terrell Person has pastored for 27 years. “My brother implemented Black History Programs at the historic church for Mount Laurel students”, Sandra said. Dr. James Still and his family are interred at the Jacob’s Chapel Cemetery. His autobiography, “The Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still, was published in 1877. Moreover, Dr. Still was the brother of William Still, noted abolitionist and author of “The Underground Railroad”. (Interested readers will find both books on the shelves of their local library). Sandra is proud of her family’s legacy.
As a retired educator with 30 years of experience, Sandra believes she is well-equipped to serve Mount Laurel as a Councilwoman. Having lived in Burlington County most of her life, she earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Temple University. After retirement, Sandra served as a literacy volunteer, mentor, and tutor in Marlton, Moorestown, Mount Laurel and Voorhees. She mentored students in the Hillside, Larchmont, and Hartford Schools. Sandra has two adult children and five grandchildren with one of the grandchildren currently at Lenape High School.
Sandra served as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent and VBS director at a local church in Palmyra for over 20 years. During her tenure there, she served as the church’s coordinator for an internationally known ministry based in North Carolina. Sandra is also a 2011 graduate of the Biblical Institute at Boulden Seminary, in Wilmington, DE. She currently attends Fellowship Community Church, where she participates in their Senior Ministry (SALT; Saints Ministry Service Project), and assists in the Sunday school.
Sandra participates in Zumba fitness classes at RCBC. She also gets a kick out of teaching Line Dance to the senior residents of Roger’s Walk.
Per Pratt, “I am confident that my background in education as well as my long history of service to others will make me an asset on Town Council.” Sandra is on the ticket with current Mayor Irwin Edelson and Councilman Kurt Folcher.
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