Sandra Cantrell Jones, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend entered into glory on December 25, 2020, at the age of 86. She was born to Dick and Mary Lee Cantrell on January 4, 1934, in McGehee, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, Sandra attended college at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she met her the love of her life, Brandon Jones. They married on December 28, 1954, and together they had three children, Brad, Ric and Jill.
Sandra was a gifted elementary school teacher, loved for inspiring her students with her fun, creative lessons. Even after retirement, she continued to receive cards and letters from former students, thanking her for the impact she had made in their lives. From a young age, Sandra was always very active in the life of her church. She enjoyed singing in the church choir as well as directing some of the children’s choirs. Among her many talents, Sandra enjoyed planning and hosting church banquets, special events for the children, and welcoming friends and family into her home. She loved cooking, especially delicious desserts, hosting supper club, sewing, decorating projects, and traveling to see new places. After retiring, she was fortunate to make a few trips abroad with friends and enjoyed visiting many of the places she had taught about in her Social Studies classes. Sandra’s greatest joy in life came from caring for her family that she loved so dearly. She especially enjoyed her role as ‘Nana’ to her grandchildren and the annual family gathering at their home on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. She had a knack for storytelling and could make up the most captivating stories off the top of her head, to the delight of the grandchildren whenever one would say, “Nana, please tell us a story!” She kept them spell-bound for hours.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Brandon Jones, her brother Dick Cantrell and his wife Patricia, her children, Brad Jones and his wife Charlotte, Ric Jones and his wife Cindi, and Jill Windsor; ten grandchildren, Mandi Stephenson, Brian Jones, Daniel Windsor, Brandon Jones, Taryn Jones, Jessica Nelson, Gracey Jones, Hope Windsor, Jack Windsor, and greeting her in heaven, Scott Windsor. Her friends and family will remember Sandra for her unwavering faith in God, her deep love for her family, and the grace and kindness she showed to all who knew her.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Hot Springs at 2350 Central Avenue.
