Longtime community activist Sandra LaDay passed away last week in Port Arthur.

LaDay, 72, devoted her life to helping the poor and serving Port Arthur and the surrounding communities. She died Nov. 14.

Her daughter Mickey Guillory described her mother in loving words.

“My mother was a sweet lady, she went out of her way to help. She would give you the shirt off her back,” Guillory said.

Sandra and Willie LaDay, married for more than 53 years, co-founded People Supporting People in the mid-1990s. The organization has provided assistance to those in need in the Port Arthur community.

 LaDay was known beyond just southeast Texas, being featured in People Magazine and CBS morning news in the early 2000s in the wake of Hurricane Rita. Despite her losses from the storm she continued to be a pillar of the community helping those in need. 

The LaDay home was also a safe haven for children that may have been abandoned or mistreated giving them a place to shower and feel welcome.  

 “My mother is going to be well missed. We are definitely going to miss her,” said Guillory.

Her family has vowed to continue her work with People Supporting People and continue LaDay’s legacy.

LaDay’s services are pending with Procter’s Mortuary in Beaumont.

An online guestbook on the mortuary’s website shows condolences from around the area.

Ginnetta Earnest from Beaumont offered prayers for the family and friends of the family, adding it has been wonderful knowing LaDay and LaDay always had something to say and always kept a smile on her face no matter what.