Dates
Sandra Jean Norris Brown, loving mother, proud grandmother, devoted daughter, treasured friend, inspiring teacher and coach went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, September 1, 2014.
A memorial service, celebrating her life will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday September 5, 2014 at Robert Massie funeral Chapel, 402 Rio Concho Drive, San Angelo Texas. Interment will follow in Greenleaf Cemetery, 2615 US 377 Brownwood, Texas at 3:00 p.m.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 4, 2014 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Robert Massie Funeral Home
Sandy was born August 28, 1942 in Brownwood, Texas to James E. Norris and Doris Lorene Reece Norris. She is survived by son James Brown, daughters Pamela and husband John Potter their daughters Laci and Natalie, Angela and husband Eric Butler their boys Cade and Cole; mother Doris Norris and many extended family members and special friends. Her dad, James E Norris preceded her in death.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized in 1954 at Lake View Baptist Church. Sandy had a unique close walk with Jesus. She always thanked God for leading her through many, many trials and tribulations of life; constantly reminding
everyone God was faithful and His Word was true. She stood firm on His promises.
She fought a courageous three year battle with cancer. She never gave up praising God.
The family moved to San Angelo when Sandy was five years old. She began her schooling career at Lake View School in 1948 and graduated in 1960. Upon graduation from high school she began her college education at Lon Morris Art Institute a Jr. College in Jacksonville. She completed her Bachelor Degree and Master’s Degree at Angelo State University,
Sandy married Jim Brown May 27, 1961. To this union a much loved son, Jimmy was born March 1963. Sandy worked, helping Jim to finish his college education. After twelve years of marriage they were blessed with two precious little girls; Angela was born March 1973 followed by Pamela in March 1974. Their family was complete.
The family moved from Jacksonville back to San Angelo. She began her career in education at Edison Jr. High; teaching and coaching. She was athletic director at Big Spring High School, Coahoma High School, Belton High School, Waco University and Lorena High School.
In 1991 Sandy moved to San Angelo where she taught and coached at Lincoln Jr. High moving up to Lake View High School in 1993. She taught and coached in Lubbock, Littlefield, Friona and Odessa.
Sandy’s greatest pleasure in life; apart from her grandchildren, was seeing the light of
knowledge come on in a young persons eyes as she taught and coached life skills. Their success was the high light of her life. Her family and students were her life.
Music was a huge part of Sandy’s life. She could play the piano like Jerry Lee Lewis and
sing like Brenda Lee. She brought great joy and pleasure to others through her music. She loved to sing and what a dancer she was.
Sandy cared for her mom, “Nanny” for several years before finally moving her into her home in Midland. Nanny continually wanted to move back to her old home in San
Angelo, so being the devoted daughter she was Sandy retired from teaching and once
again returned to San Angelo to become her mom’s full time caregiver. As Nanny’s health continued to fail; Sandy had to move her to a health care facility.
As a single mom, at various times during her kids growing up years she took on several
enterprising adventures to help provide the funds for their education and needs she felt were important for them to be successful in their lives. Some of her entrepreneur activities included small ranching, flower shop, insurance, karaoke, eight line machine, video, and pet store businesses.
While she was a success on many levels during her life, Sandy excelled most in her relationships with those she loved. She was dedicated in her loyalties to both family and friends. If Sandy advocated for someone they felt the strength of an army behind them; an army that would stand firm until the battle was complete. She went through life courageous and that courage supported many along the way. Always solid and steadfast, she was a rock in shifting sand.
Sandy was a loving, caring, committed, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, friend and caregiver to all. She modeled Christian Godly behavior for her family, students and friends. Always sacrificing, trying to do the right thing, she was selfless in giving to others, whether love, time, money or possessions. Everyone was welcome to her home. Many teenagers found a place of refuge and home at Sandy’s house; her doors were always open and her phone available when a need arose.
A country girl at heart, Sandy realized her life long dream of living in the country the last year and half of her life. She loved sitting on the porch in her rocking chair, soaking in a beautiful sunrise or a brilliant sunset, drinking her coke. Her idea of heaven on earth was caring for her flowers and pot plants, feeding the wild birds and her farm animals, feeling
gentle breezes and watching soft rain drops. She considered herself blessed beyond measure.
Wear bright colors for Sandy!
The family wishes to thank the following people who helped them through this most difficult time, Stephnie Holt, Dorothy Kasberg, Ella Rose Morris, Patricia Martinez
Scarlet O’Brien, Beth Smith, Bonnie Reed, Ruben and Alma Reyes, Dr David Cummings, Wanda Lange, RN CNS ADCNS, Dr. Carl Anderton, Dr. J Michael Cornell, Staff of Shannon Hospital, Hospice of San Angelo, and Staff at Rotary House of Hope (Baptist Retirement Community). R