Sandra Ann Jones was born May 20, 1953, in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Addie Dean (A.D.) and Annie Lee Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Billy Joe & Herbert Lee Jordan. She is survived by one remaining sibling, Edna Bagsby (John) of Apple Valley, California.
Sandra was a product of the “Tie Plant Community” in North Little Rock where she attended Scipio A. Jones High School. She later transferred to Northeast High School where she graduated in 1972.
During her high school years, Sandra was very involved as High School-Captain of the Pep Squad, Secretary of Homeroom, French Club, Science Club, Fine Arts Club, F.H.A., Senior Cabinet, and Girls Choir.
Following high school, Sandra attended Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Quachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR.
Sandra loved teaching, Sandra taught school at Oakbrooke Elementary School in Sherwood, Arkansas for 27 years. She loved keeping up with her former students through social media and occasional encounters. It troubled her greatly to have to retire due to health reasons. She was most proud to have had the opportunity to teach her goddaughters, Nakia, Alicia, and Mariah Handy, also lovingly known as her ‘Handy Girls”.
In addition to teaching, Sandra loved sewing! She was well-known and gifted seamstress who shared her sewing expertise to many individuals, choirs, and gospel groups throughout the city. She credits her skills and love for sewing to her ‘Mama Nita” the late Mrs. Juanita Watson, who taught her to sew at an early age.
Sandra was a member of Stars of Integrity, Chapter No. 379 of the Eastern Star where she received a complimentary degree of “Queen of the South” in 2002.
Sandra was a baptized believer! She accepted Christ at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Tie Plant and later united with Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Little Rock. Subsequently, she joined Pilgrim Progress Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Gerald Parker, Sr., and she remained a member until death. In her younger years, Sandra was president and active member of the Pilgrim Progress Voices of Deliverance Mass Choir. She was one of few females who sang in the tenor section.
Sandra leaves to continue her legacy two daughters; LaNissa Dixon Gilmore(Reverend Frederick) of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Anita Dixon Noman(Vic) of Little Rock, Arkansas. In addition to her daughters, Sandra leaves two grandchildren whom she absolutely adored, Lauryn Tayor and Fredrick Gilmore. She is also preceded in death by an infant grandson, Keatron Camron Banks.
Sandra will be sorely missed by a cadre of family and friends; her best friend and godmother to her children, Dr. Linda Watson ; special friends, Thelma Tripplet, Pat Peten-Holder, Deacon Jim Marshall, and William Grafton; honorary daughter Lakiesha Kemp; “granddaughter’ Maegan Mitchell; a very special cousin, Lois Jean Latting and all will forever treasure her contributions to their lives.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Progress Baptist Church 1301 N. Magnolia St. North Little Rock, AR, 72114. Her remains will lie instate from 10:00 a.m. until service time.