Sandra Carlene Walker

Sandra Carlene “Sandi” Walker, 52, of Cleveland, TN, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 6, 2011 after a long, brave battle with cancer. She was, until very recently, a resident of Hixson, TN. Sandi was born September 30, 1958 in Soddy-Daisy and lived most of her life in Hamilton County. She also resided for a short time in Dalton, GA. She was a well known and highly regarded Nurse Practitioner for several years in the local area; having been previously employed by Dr. Johnny Carter in Athens, TN, Bradley Plaza Physicians in Cleveland and the Cardiology Group of Chattanooga. She was most recently employed by Dr. Donald Chamberlain at Chattanooga Gyn-Oncology, and Physicians Care Walk-In Clinics. Sandi’s expertise in her vocation was highly recognized by both her patients and colleagues, however she will be remembered most for her dedication, compassionate care, and wonderful smile that brought so much comfort to those whose lives she touched. In addition to her employment as an N.P., she was also previously an instructor at the U.T.C. School of Nursing; guiding and influencing the careers of many nurses who now pursue their chosen field in this and other areas of the country. A 1976 graduate of Red Bank High School, Sandi received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Dalton Junior College in 1994. She gained her B.S.N. from M.T.S.U. in 2002; graduating Summa Cum Laude. In 2004 Sandi earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville; again graduating Summa Cum Laude. She was also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl G. Stanfield. Survivors include her loving husband of 14 years, and care giver, Steve Walker, Cleveland, TN; mother, Loretta (Al) McKinley, Hixson; sisters, Andrea Stanfield, Hixson and Brenda (Don) Catlett, Red Bank; brothers, Gordon (Alice) Stanfield, Soddy-Daisy and Eddie (Betty) Stanfield, East Ridge; Nephew, Andee (Laura) Woodard, Nashville, TN; Nieces, Megan Stanfield and Leigh Stanfield, Soddy-Daisy. Other survivors include step-daughter, Stephanie Chastain (Michael) Creagan, Cleveland, TN; grandson, Parker Chastain, Cleveland, TN; mother-in-law, Bobbye Creasman; father in-law, Jack (Debbie) Walker; sister-in-law, Brigitte Miller; brother-in-law, Jamie (Nanette) Walker all of Cleveland, TN; Several other relatives in both Hamilton and Bradley Counties also survive. Sandi will also be sadly missed by her adoring and beloved pets, Max, Mickey, Jack, Daisy and Buddy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Sandi’s name to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416 or to the McKamey Animal Care and adoption Center, 4500 North Access Road, Chattanooga, TN 37415 and the Chattanooga Humane Society, 212 N. Highland Park Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Al Taylor, Rev. Rick Sentell and Dr. Donald Chamberlain officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. till the time of the service on Thursday at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway.