Sandra Dean Erwin Davis, 82, of De Kalb, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, in Tyler, Texas.
She was born February 18, 1943, in Lubbock, Texas, to LeRoy and Blanche Erwin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gene Erwin; stepmother, Yvonne Dalton Erwin; and stepsister, Caryl Dalton.
Sandra is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Garland Davis of De Kalb; daughter, Stacy Deaton, and husband Paul of Hooks; son, Greg Davis of Richmond, California; and cherished grandchildren: Corbin Mc-Menamin and husband Sean, Colt and Garth Deaton, and Layla, Caitlin, and Addison Davis; sister-in-law and best friend, Donna Martin and husband Dave; and step-siblings: Pat Dalton, Joe Dalton, Cathy Dalton Burling and husband William, and Celia Dalton Youngren and husband Gary.
Sandra and Garland met as teenagers at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Oklahoma. She worked as an information operator for Southwestern Bell, a secretary at OU, and a preschool teacher at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. She was also a dedicated business partner to Garland in their family pharmacy and a loyal DeKalb Band Booster.
Sandra was deeply devoted to Garland. They water- and snow-skied together, rode mules down and back up the Grand Canyon, and spent countless weekends on their sailboat with their children, Garland at the helm. Their bond was a source of comfort and support, grounded in a love shared for over six decades.
A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Sandra placed her family’s needs before hers, found joy in the small moments, and taught her children to lead with kindness and live with purpose. She tirelessly supported her children’s musical journeys, driving them to countless lessons, rehearsals, and competitions, cheering them on through every challenge. Embracing the constant sound of practicing in her home (even the out-of-tune moments and acoustic panels’ inability to muffle rhythmic drumming), she rarely, if ever, complained. She celebrated their triumphs and cradled their burdens. Her belief in their talents and her strong presence behind the scenes gave her children the confidence to grow and pursue what they loved.
Sandra’s extraordinary skill for creating and repairing anything shone in every arts, crafts, and home improvement project. Whether fearlessly knocking through a wall to add a framed kitchen doorway in a single day or merging two dress patterns to craft her granddaughter’s snow queen costume, showcasing the “golden fingers” inherited from her mother, her ingenuity was as boundless as it was inspiring.
Even with trembling hands in recent years, she expertly applied the advanced techniques of her acrylic painting days, transforming simple brush strokes into subtle works of art.
Sandra’s resilience throughout life’s challenges, shaped by the health journeys of those she loved, was truly inspiring. Her ability to navigate difficult times with grace and strength is a testament to her character.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Epilepsy Foundation (epilepsy.com) to support research, education, and hope for others navigating similar paths.
A memorial service to honor Sandra’s life will be announced and held at a later date.
Cremation is under the direction of Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas.
Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.
