Sandra Joyce Wheeler

Sandra Joyce Wheeler
Sandra Joyce Wheeler

Sandy Wheeler, aged 83, of Amarillo, TX passed away on Monday, November 8, 2021.

 
Sandy and her husband, Jerry, were lifelong members of Hillside Christian Church where Sandy found great joy as an Alto Voice in the choir in which she served for more than 30 years. She was recognized by those in the church as being one of the first people to welcome newcomers, both staff and members, and is particularly remembered for her kindness and welcoming spirit.
 
Sandy was “fearfully and wonderfully made” and had a love for her Creator. She was a sacrificial wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother epitomizing the characteristics of the woman defined in Proverbs 31, particularly verses 25 and 26: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” She was deeply in love with her husband of 62 years. Thick as thieves, they shared a sense of humor and possessed a streak of self-deprecation with each other that betrayed their deep friendship and joy in each other’s company to all who knew them.
 
Her considerable musical talent in voice and on piano was subdued upon the arrival of her chosen children, Darren and Michelle, as she turned her gifts to being a caring mother. She would continue in this motherly role with the arrival of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always sacrificially giving her time, attention, and resources to ensure they were cared and positioned for success in every possible way. In her scant free time, she was an avid bridge and poker player where she most enjoyed the closeness of her friends who uplifted her spirit. While she rarely won any money, she coveted the time with and won the hearts of her closest friends. Jerry always made sure Sandy had her morning paper where she accomplished her daily crosswords (sometimes with the ‘help’ of the family’s Alexa device) and they carried this tradition throughout her lifetime.
 
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Hall and Velma Pendleton and her loving husband Jerry.
 
She is survived by her sister, Julia Windecker of Austin, Texas; son Darren Wheeler (and his wife, Michelle) of Huntsville, Alabama; daughter Michelle Velasquez of Amarillo. She is also survived by five grandchildren – Alyssa Wheeler Chatham (and her husband, Cam), Army Staff Sergeant Rustin Holcomb (and his wife, Ashley), Chloe Wheeler, and Riley and Rayden Velasquez; two great-grandchildren, Strattin and Kynlee Holcomb; and a great-grandchild scheduled to arrive in March of 22, Baby Chatham.
 
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests donations be made in Sandy’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
 
Services will be held at Hillside Christian Church (Amarillo West Campus, 6100 Soncy Rd.) at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021, in the Chapel with Sean Vokes officiating. 

3 Replies to “Sandra Joyce Wheeler”

  1. Thinking of her family, praising the Lord she has gone to be with Him.

    Blessed to have served beside her in ministry at Hillside for over 20 years.

    Mike Nuthman

  2. Aunt Sandy was a beautiful lady inside and out. Such a joy to be around, every single time! Her sense of humor and laugh made everyone smile!! I love her with all my heart. Will miss you dearly, Aunt Sandy.

  3. Aunt Sandy was a beacon of light to everyone she met. Such a sweet soul with the best laugh that I will miss hearing. Our life has been better just knowing her.

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