Mrs. Sandra Miller Benfield 55 of Salisbury, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast. Born on March 10, 1960 in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of Shirley Bullard Miller of Salisbury and the late Jimmy "Goose" Miller. Sandra was a longtime member of Landis Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday School Teacher and member of the Addie Port Circle. She was a 1979 graduate of South Rowan High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 1982 and a Master of Education degree in Chemistry and Physics in 1988, both from UNC Charlotte. Professionally, she taught high school at A.L. Brown from 1984 til 1995, where she was head of the Science Department and also was a Professor at Shaw University. Sandra’s career transitioned from high school education to healthcare education in 1995 which prompted Sandra to pursue and receive an Associate Degree in Nursing, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in 2002. Sandra began her 20 year career at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital as an Education Specialist, transitioning to the Manager of Education and Accreditation before moving into her current role as the Director of Patient Experience. Sandra has led many Hospital teammate reward and recognition events, Patient Experience teams and initiatives, Language Services, Cultural Diversity as well as being a Basic Life Support Instructor.
Sandra was one of the first aerobics instructors at the South Rowan YMCA, where she taught everything from kick boxing to circuit training and was currently a cardio instructor.
Sandra was a beautiful lady inside and out, well-known for her spunky, energetic, presentation style as a motivational speaker. She touched so many lives in countless ways but especially through her story telling and her contagious smile. She had a way of engaging her audience, talking about difficult situations, and always bringing out the positive.
MaMaw Sandra loved spending time with her grandchildren, Wrigley and Jett. These two were the light of her life, they spent every Wednesday night having dinner followed by making crafts, baking cookies and catching frogs. “We Love You MaMaw!!!”
Sandra also enjoyed her beach condo and taking cruises with her special friends Kathy Stewart and Allison Wilson. She had a significant love for animals and especially her four-legged babies. Sandra continually counted her blessings and was a very generous, kind person, always giving to others in need without anyone knowing.
In addtion to her mother those left to cherish her memory is her husband of 30 years, Michael Franklin Benfield, son Matthew Reid Benfield and wife Cassidy of China Grove, grandchildren, Wrigley Miller Benfield and Jett Corriher Benfield. Brothers, Dennis Miller and girlfriend Donna Kluttz, Jimmy Miller and wife Janet and Bo Miller and wife Teresa and cousin Jeanie Beaver. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Friday June 5, 2015 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at First Reformed Church in Landis with the funeral service on Saturday at 2:00 PM at Landis Baptist Church with Reverend David P. Franks, Pastor Richard L. Honeycutt, Jr. and Eddie A. Graham officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Shelter of Rowan County, 220 Grace Church Road Salisbury, NC 28147. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.linnhoneycuttfuneralhome.com.
rrangements under the direction of Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, China Grove, NC.
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