Sandra Knight Russell

Sandy Russell walked into Glory holding Jesus’ hand after a long, hard-fought battle with colon cancer on April 1, 2025, at the age of 71. Sandy was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, Mawmaw, a cherished friend, and a respected member of the community.

Born on October 30, 1953, in Cabarrus County, NC, where her family then relocated to Smith Homes in Greensboro, NC until they moved to Sumner School district. Sandy lived a life full of love, kindness, and dedication. She was known for having great strength, selflessness, great work ethic, and unconditional love for her family. Sandy always led by example by being a leader in whatever role she was put in. Sandy graduated from Southern Guilford High School in 1972 where she was a basketball star for the Indians and then went on to start a family and begin her Law Enforcement career with the UNCG Police Department. She then began working for Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, where she made significant contributions, including becoming the first female to hold the position of lieutenant in field operations. She had 17 years of expertise in the management of both the private and public sectors of law enforcement. She spent 11 years as a deputy with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, where, as a lieutenant, she developed, implemented, and supervised the departmental Field Training Program. During her time with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, she obtained her certification as a General Criminal Justice Instructor and became a Specific Instructor as a Law Enforcement Driving Trainer, teaching not only with the Sheriff’s agency but also at many Community Colleges. Upon leaving the Sheriff’s department, Sandy joined Banknote Corporation of America (BCA), a high security printing facility in Browns Summit. As their Chief of Police, she designed a team of professionals that safeguarded the company which printed security documents for several high security government agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service. Sandy was involved in politics which led her to run for Guilford County Sheriff in 1998. She was respected for her professionalism and her management style by many in and out of state. Upon leaving BCA, she pursued a career as a N.C. Private Investigator creating Cornerstone Investigative Services, finally retiring in 2019. Sandy was a graduate of the NCSU Administrative Officers Program (AOMP) for Law Enforcement Professionals class of 1991. She earned her A.A.S. in Criminal Justice from GTCC, her B.A. in Management/Ethics from John Wesley College and held her advanced law enforcement certificate issued by the N.C. Sheriff’s Association Training and Standards. During her lifetime, she volunteered with Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and many others. Sandy was a member of Pleasant Garden Baptist Church where she volunteered in the men’s homeless shelter as well as Upward basketball for many years. She was also a member of the N.C. Law Enforcement Women’s Association and a board member of N.C. Private Investigators Association.

Sandy had a passion for family, horses, all types of other animals, and warm weather. She enjoyed line dancing, rodeos, traveling with her husband as well as the rest of her family, and after retirement took her grandchildren on many different trips up and down the east coast. Sandy and Andy have a home in Florida where they would spend the winters away from the cold and would often allow family to stay and enjoy it with them.

Sandy is survived by her husband Andy, children Chuck Fulp (Shannon), Kelli Coltrane (Chad), Jennifer Fuqua (Jeremy), grandchildren Dylan (Madisyn), Alayna, Macey, Madi, Taylor, Hayden, Hunter, Drew and Ashton and many nieces and nephews. Sandy was predeceased by her mother Molly Knight, father Raymond Knight, brothers Donald and Ronald Knight, son Jeffrey Russell and many aunts and uncles. Her memory will also be cherished by friends, extended family, and colleagues.

A Celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on April 7, 2025, at 11:00 am at Guilford Memorial Park, where friends and family will gather to honor and remember her. The family will receive friends on April 6, 2025, from 3-5 pm at Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel which is located at 6000 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue, or Pleasant Garden Baptist Church in Sandy’s memory.

Sandy’s legacy of hard work, leadership, and commitment to her family will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though she may be gone, her spirit remains in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rest in peace, Sandy, Momma, Mawmaw. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel is honored to serve the Russell family.