Sandra Wilfong Smith

Sandra Wilfong Smith, age 80, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia, surrounded by family who cherished her and deeply valued the love she shared with them.

Sandy was born on February 24, 1944, in Elkins, West Virginia, where she lived until the age of 21. Her parents, Nieal and Norma Wilfong, spent nearly their entire lives in Elkins, where Nieal owned and operated a successful independent grocery store, Wilfong’s Market. Sandy attended public schools in Elkins and graduated from Elkins Senior High School in 1962, participating in several activities, most notably cheerleading and the marching band.

Sandy went on to Davis and Elkins College, where she met Rob Smith. They married during her junior year and his senior year. Shortly after, they moved to Maryland and started their family. Sandy gave birth to their son, Shawn, in November 1965, followed by daughters Heather in 1969 and Pamela in 1970. After Pamela's birth, Sandy returned to college, completing her degree at Hood College in 1978 and beginning her teaching career at South Frederick Elementary School.

In 1981, the family relocated to Houston, Texas, when Rob accepted the role of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Services for the Spring Independent School District. Sandy continued teaching, eventually becoming a pre-first grade teacher, advocating for students who needed extra support before starting first grade, and a Reading Recovery teacher, helping struggling readers. During this time, Sandy also taught adult aerobics classes at the local YMCA.

In 1997, Sandy and Rob moved to Arlington, Virginia, where Rob became Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools. Sandy retired from full-time teaching but continued to work with children who had difficulty learning to read. She thrived in Arlington, pursuing her many interests, including technology, quilting, biking, exercise, and photography.

Sandy was an avid photographer, winning many ribbons for her work, especially her portraits. She also served as the photographer for the Babes on Bikes organization. Her greatest passion, however, was sewing. She took pride in using her state-of-the-art sewing machine to create countless items, from linens, pillows, and purses, to COVID-19 masks and hand sanitizer holders, which she shared with friends, family, healthcare workers, and community members. Her sewing room, which she called her "happy place," was a testament to her creativity and generosity.

Sandy was a truly joyful person who embraced life with an open heart and a vibrant spirit. She poured herself into every project and passion with unmatched enthusiasm, and her happiness was palpable to everyone around her. She was the rock of her family—the one who always listened, provided support, and stayed deeply connected with her children and grandchildren, celebrating every achievement and milestone. Her love for her family was unwavering, and her nearly 59-year marriage to Rob was an inspiration. Their bond was one of the purest forms of love, filled with laughter, mutual respect, and genuine companionship. Together, they created a beautiful life, and their love story will forever be a source of strength and guidance,

She was preceded in death by her son, Shawn N. Smith, and her parents, Nieal and Norma Wilfong. Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Robert G. Smith; Shawn’s partner, Susan Scull; her daughters and their spouses, Heather and Matt Feagins and Pamela and Frank Sinicrope; her grandchildren, Anthony Sinicrope, Ryan and Colleen Feagins, and Stephen and Dominic Sinicrope; her nieces and nephews, Merrill Perkins, Meg Schramm, and David Wilfong; and her brother, Richard Wilfong.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the [Dream Project in Arlington, Virginia (https://dream-project.org/), an organization that supports the education and mentorship of immigrant students.