Sandra Kay Carpenter, known by her friends as Sandy and “Grama” by her family, was born in Flint, Michigan on September 8th, 1940. On October 2nd, 2019, surrounded by family, Sandy went home to be with the Lord at the age of 79. She was a devoted mother, raising three girls: Kelley, Karry, and Kathy. In 1974 she settled her family permanently in Florida and started her own business: Sandy’s Wall Covering. During this time she also was involved in setting the foundation for a youth-based ministry that became known as House of Hope. As a co-founder, Sandy was instrumental in cultivating a community of healing for young people. She spent the balance of her working career with House of Hope; she was previously VP of operations and recently served as a member of the Board of Directors. While she was proud of her involvement in ministry, she recognized that her passion was for people.
Sandy was a steadfast mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known as a pillar of strength to her family; someone who fought the good fight and passionately served others with grace and class. It is impossible to sum up Sandy’s impact on this earth with a single word, but one that comes close is intentional. She was intentional in her relationships with her family; she was intentional with her calling to young people, and she was intentional in her relationship with Jesus above all else.The seed she has sewn with her ministry will continue to flourish through the countless lives that have experienced her grace and compassion.
1 Peter 1:3-5 declares “What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all – life healed and whole.”
A service celebrating Sandy’s life will be held at Thrive Church Apopka 951 N. Park Ave. Apopka, Florida 32712 on Sunday, October 6th, 2019. The visitation will be at 2pm, with a service to follow at 3pm. Flowers can be sent to Thrive Church Apopka at the above address or donations can be made in Sandy’s name to House of Hope at PO Box 560484 Orlando, Florida 32856.
Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Chester Eugene Warner; mother, Ella Gertrude Thompson Smith, and brother Terry Lee Warner. She is survived by her daughters: Kelley and her husband Doug Coad; Karry and her husband Ted Watson, and Kathy and her husband Cecil McCellan; two siblings: Doug Warner and Patti Miller ; 9 grandchildren: Jennifer and her husband Jason Stelly; Mandi and her husband Grant Harley; Stephanie and her husband Marcio Pacheco; Jonathan and his wife Sarah Coad; Kayla and her husband Daniel Ritter; Courteney Coad; Hannah and her husband Brent Jorge; TJ and his wife Cassidy Watson, and Carly McClellan. Sandy also has 16 treasured great-grandchildren: Kate, Aiden, Gabriel, Isaiah, Ethan, Gavin, Logan, Madilyn, Elijah, Willow, Autumn, Nathan, Annie, Lyra, Jude and Nolan.
Service
Visitation
Apopka Assembly of God
951 North Park, Avenue, Apopka, Florida 32712
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Service
Apopka Assembly of God
951 North Park, Avenue, Apopka, Florida 32712
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Linda Mccollum says
Gonna miss you girl! You owe me a movie date! Yes! Gonna miss you a lot!
Pirson’s and Chrissie Smith says
Sending prayers and comfort to your family
Brenda Kennedy says
Sandy, was an amazing woman of God. She loved people and could offer be seen correcting one or praying for one. Sandy is one reason my daughter graduated from the House of Hope. I will forever be grateful for the time we had together. Your mom/ gmother had to have been an earth angel.
With deepest sympathy
Brandy says
Sandy met me when I was an angry and hurt 15 year old girl walking into the doors of house of hope in August 1995. From the first time I spoke with her she made an impression on me. She use to call me the “Polyester Queen” always brought a smile to my face. She was there when I needed a shoulder to cry on or a moment of prayer. I am so sadden to hear about this and I am so sorry for all of your loss. Sandy was an amazing person and I am so glad I got the chance to know her.
Laura Love Hicks says
No words are adequate to comfort each of you in your loss, only God can do that. I am sending love & prayers. Take care of each other & share special memories of Sandy/Grama.
Love each of you!
Andrea Webb says
I was so saddened to learn of Sandy’s passing. Her wonderful warmth, her encompassing smile and strength of character were always evident anytime I saw her at House of Hope. I know she is in heaven, in great joy and peace but she will be sorely missed here on earth. My deepest condolences to all of her family and loved ones.
Cary E Orizondo says
Sandy is a wonderful lady, a God-fearing lady she had a real heart for young people working along with Sarah wonderful friend spiritual mother in my eyes but she’s in heaven her work is complete.
Chris and Larry Taylor says
Kelley, Larry and I are sending you and your family love and supporting thoughts during your time of grief. May happy memories comfort you.
Chris and Larry Taylor