Sandra Durham Smith

Sandra was born to Howard and Geraldine (Williams) Durham in Port Arthur, Texas on February 9, 1938. While she was an only child, she was very close with her cousin, Tom Morgan. Sandra’s father was a career Texaco company employee. Sandra attended Thomas Jefferson High School, but also very much enjoyed her time at boarding school in Switzerland. She also traveled to India and the Philippines and regaled many memories of her time there.

Sandra later went on to Colorado Women’s College, now a part of Denver University. While living in Colorado, she went on a blind date and met her future husband, and though they were both with other people on that date, it was love at first sight. She and Stephen Bollinger Smith Sr. were married, yet she finished her Bachelor’s Degree, even taking her first child to classes with her in a basket.

Sandra was a teacher and a homemaker. Family always came first and was her greatest joy. She was a great help to Stephen’s career as an Army Officer retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. They traveled all over the world and Sandra’s talent and Texan-rooted southern charm was a great boon as she hosted many parties for Stephen’s Army colleagues. Sandra served as the President of the Officers’ Wives Club in Washington, DC while Stephen was assigned to the Pentagon. She loved to socialize, and she was good at it! She also loved road trips and dining out.

Sandra was an avid quilter and made dear friends through quilting. One of her quilts was displayed at the Nation’s Capitol Building in Washington, DC. and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She had a passion for cruising and as the fashionista she was, had an outfit for every occasion and could tell you what she was wearing decades later. Sandra celebrated life with no regrets and was so very proud of her loving and strong family.

Sandra is survived by her three children and their spouses: Stephen B. and Martha Smith, Gerrilyn S. and Michael Morris, and Howard P. and Michelle Smith; grandchildren, Kathleen, William, Paige, and Lindsey as well as multiple step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Donna Marie Smith and Marjorie Smith. Sandra leaves behind deeply rooted life-long friends in Austin, Texas, her close-knit quilting friends in Colorado, and dearly-loved friends, companions and the amazing team at Legacy Village of Castle Pines retirement community.

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Stephen Bollinger Smith Sr., her parents, and a grandson, Kyle Smith.

A service for Sandra will happen at a later date when she is laid to rest with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery.