July 21, 1940 - April 2, 2023
Arlington, TX - Sandra Jean Wilkerson Andrews, 82, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and great aunt passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023, with family by her side.
Sandra was born on July 21, 1940, in Hayward, CA, to Leonard “Del” and Janet S. Lillie Wilkerson. Sandra graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1958 (Santa Rosa, NM), and then from Regina Catholic School of Nursing in 1961 (Albuquerque, NM). While in nursing school Sandra met the love of her life, John Kerr Connelly Andrews, Jr. John, at the time was just beginning his U.S. Navy career and a dance was arranged for the nursing students and sailors. Magic happened at that dance where Sandra noticed John playing in the jazz band and he noticed the demure way she carried herself. They were married on July 17, 1959, in Ventura, CA. Her strength and love helped her through life’s challenges raising two daughters at several duty stations while supporting her husband’s long deployments. Sandra absolutely loved being a registered nurse and loved caring for others. In fact, she returned to working in public health after retiring when John passed away in 2006. She continued working part-time until just one week before her 80th birthday. Sandra loved God, her family, and of course any cat that had the pleasure of being under her care. Some say in their next life they wished they could come back as a cat in Sandra’s home. In addition to being a beautiful soul, Sandra was also a wonderful cook (especially her New Mexico-style dishes), seamstress, listener, baby whisperer, an avid Cowboys Fan (never missed a game), and a whiz at crossword puzzles. She will be missed beyond measure but will forever live in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, parents, stepfather, brother Charles Duane Wilkerson, and niece Taryn Wilkerson Brulé.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Michelle D. Hammonds and husband Jason of Newark, TX, and Monica J. Bridgeman and husband Toby of Reno, NV; her sister, Mary Sharon Barnhart Dodge and husband Tony of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law Laurel Wilkerson of Garden Grove, CA; grandsons Zachary E. Urban and wife Angela of Haslet, TX, Parke C. Bridgeman and Caden A. Bridgeman of Reno, NV; great grandson Zane R. Urban; nephews Corey Dodge (and Mercedes), Kalen Wilkerson, and Norman Brulé; nieces Camlyn Wilkerson Woodbeck (and Jeff), Jessica Dodge Horwath (and Joel); four great nephews, two great nieces, and many friends and co-workers.
A private Inurnment will take place at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery on June 9, 2023, where Sandra will be reunited with her husband. A Celebration of Sandra’s Life will be held on June 10, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home. To add a memory, send a note, or share a story for Sandra, please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11234124
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