Sandra was born on September 25, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Charles Neal Mize and Mary Brinsfield Mize. She attended Atlanta Public Schools and graduated from East Atlanta High School. Afterwards, she attended and received an Associate Degree in Education from Young Harris College before transferring to the University of Georgia from which she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Societies. She completed her formal education with a Master of Education Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Georgia State University. She spent 46 years in the Dekalb County School System and was recognized as High School Counselor of the Year by Dekalb County, and as the State of Georgia High School Counselor of the Year. She also received Honorable Mention as National High School Counselor of the Year.
Ever the one who wished to give meaning to special occasions in life, Sandra married her husband Jerry on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1970, after having publishing her engagement announcement on December, 7, 1969, Jerry’s birthday. They enjoyed a wonderful married life of 54 years together. She and Jerry spent their early married years establishing their careers and a foundation of independence. In 1977, they built a home in Dunwoody in which they took great pride and joy in opening its doors to others on special occasions as well as just friendly get togethers. In early years, Sandra, the ultimate hostess, and Jerry celebrated New Year’s Eve with friends and Jerry’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers and their spouses to include serving a sit-down breakfast shortly after midnight to welcome the new year. Not to disrupt New Year’s Eve plans for their friends, Sandra even pulled off the New Year’s Eve party after giving birth to their oldest daughter, Ashley, on December 23, 1979.
Sandra and Jerry began attending Dunwoody United Methodist Church and became members in May 1978. They love their church family and enjoy the wonderful times spent with their many friends in faith. Over the years, they enjoyed serving in various capacities, especially in the children and youth programs, including serving as Sunday School Superintendent when that was a position.
During their retirement years, Sandra and Jerry have enjoyed much travel. They have visited the Holy Land and made several river and ocean cruises in Europe and the Mediterranean on Viking. In 2019, they took the entire family on a trip to Europe during which they created memories that will endure forever.
Sandra is survived by her husband Jerry; daughter Dr. Ashley Johnessee and her husband Chris and granddaughter Juliana; and the Reverend Brittany Hutchison and her husband Denny and granddaughters Jubilee, Clementine, and Amelia. She also is survived by Jerry’s brothers John (Carolyn) and Charles (Becki).
A service to honor our beloved mother and wife, Sandra, will be held at Dunwoody United Methodist Church on Friday, July 19th with a visitation beginning at 10am in the Parlor, the service at 11am in the Sanctuary, and a reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a tax-deductible donation in Sandra’s memory to one of the following organizations in furtherance of Sandra’s undying love for the development of children and young people’s academic and spiritual growth.
Haw Creek Elementary School
2555 Echols Road
Cumming, GA 30041
Attn: Playground Fund
(Note: This is the school where Ashley is the principal, and they are raising funds for a playground and equipment inclusive of children with special needs.)
Christ United Methodist Church
1313 Griffin Road
Leesburg, FL 34748
(Note: This is the UMC where Brittany serves as Pastor-in-Charge. This small church serves a community devoted to the needs of others and the building of God’s Kingdom on Earth.)
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