Sandra Stanley

Sandra Stanley, 64, went to be with the Lord on May 29, 2022, in Benton. Visitation is to be held, Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home. Funeral services are to be held Friday, June 3, at 10 a.m. at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home, Benton, with burial to follow at Kensett Cemetery in Searcy.

Sandra was born to Jim and Dorothy Walmsley in Searcy on Feb. 13, 1958. From a young age Sandra was a natural athlete with a love of competition. This combined with her hard work would earn her a scholarship on the inaugural woman’s basketball team at Williams Baptist College. After two years, she was recruited to play at Arkansas State University where she would be a top scorer and earned a bachelors degree in education.

Sandra taught 8th grade science for 34 years around the state of Arkansas, impacting thousands of young people. While teaching at Gosnell Junior High School, she met the love of her life and was married to Jim Stanley on Oct. 20, 1990. In the following years, they would have three beautiful children, Julie, Jessica and Matthew.

Sandra was always a woman of strong Christian faith, sharing her love of Jesus with friends, colleagues and pupils anytime she could. She loved being outdoors and always had the most impressive garden. Sandra loved the fall season and holidays, never letting one pass without celebration. Her greatest worldly love was her family, especially her children. She would always say, “My greatest accomplishment on this earth are these three kids."

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Dorothy Walmsley, and her brother, Steve Walmsley.

She is survived by her faithful husband Jim; her children, Julie (husband Cawley), Jessica and Matt; and her siblings Arthur, Daniel and Winnie Walmsley.

We know many will say “in lieu of flowers/plants” but Sandra loved flowers. If you feel so led, flowers will be cherished. But better yet, honor her by planting a seed, flower, bush or tree. Celebrate her beautiful life by cultivating anew.

We would like to thank her team at CARTI and Baptist Hospice Care for taking such wonderful care of her during these difficult times. We are forever grateful.