Sandra "Sandy" Jane Stancil Self

Sandy was born on November 25, 1950 in Gadsden, AL and recently celebrated her 71st birthday before her passing. A lifelong resident of Gadsden, she met the love of her life, Mike, when she was 14 years old and they were married on June 15, 1968. Sandy was an avid entrepreneur. She and Mike raised their family while owning a successful restaurant for 25 years, The Choice Restaurant, in downtown Gadsden. Later, she retired from a successful career as a Financial Advisor. Sandy was a member of the Gadsden Restaurant Association, Gadsden Woman’s Club, Altrusa Club and the Antiquarian Society. She was instrumental in starting the North East Alabama Ballroom Dance Society in 1992. In retirement, Sandy opened another business revolving around her hobby of antiquing, Gadsden Variety Antique Mall.

Sandy’s smile would light up a room. She was all business when it was time for work, but she loved to laugh and have fun with her friends and family whenever the opportunity presented. She never met a stranger and was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. In fact, most of Sandy’s good deeds were done without recognition and without being asked.

To say that Sandy loved her family would be an understatement. She was the oldest daughter of 7 siblings and beamed with pride when she spoke of her brothers or sisters. Sandy was most proud of her three children, children-in-law and 6 grandchildren. She would tell stories about them to anyone that would listen. She enjoyed spending time with family, taking family vacations and hosting family holiday gatherings.

Sandy was married to her husband, Mike Self, for 53 years after dating for 3 years. She lovingly referred to him as “Papa Mike” and would frequently volunteer him for projects after bragging about how he could fix anything because he was good at everything.

She was preceded in death by her father, R. D. Stancil; brother, Ronnie Stancil; son, Matthew Scott Self and grandson, Rowan Blevins.

Sandy is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Self, Sr.; three children; Missy Davis (Bobby), Mike Self, Jr. (Beth), Merry Blevins (Michael); six grandchildren, Hayley Davis, Connor Self, Riley Davis, John Wesley Self, Carley Davis and Natalie Blevins; Mother, Christine Foster and Step-father, Billy Ray Foster; brother, Bill Stancil; sisters, Susan Kruse, Eva Murray (Chris), Priscie Mitchell and Nancy Ulrich (Phillip); sisters-in-law, Sue Phillips (Harold), Debbie Harrell (Ollie), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Mike Self, Jr., Michael Blevins, Bobby Davis, Skye Bolt, Connor Self, Riley Davis and John Wesley Self.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gadsden First United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Darryl Prime, Dr. Sandra Carpenter, Dr. James Markert, Dr. Garret Hurst, and the nurses and staff at UAB’s NICU and Palliative Care Unit; along with Sandy’s Church Family and her Mahjong friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday December 21, 2021 from 2-4 at Gadsden First United Methodist Church with the service immediately following.