Mrs. Sandra Shinn Shinn Williams

Sandra Shinn Williams of Victoria died peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, from complications of Alzheimer's Disease which she fought courageously. She was born in Lockhart on August 27, 1934 to Edward Clark Shinn and Margaret Mohle Shinn.

In addition to her parents, Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Vincent Williams.

Sandra graduated from Patti Welder High School in Victoria and attended Hollins College before graduating from The University of Texas where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She taught sixth grade math at Crain Junior High School for one year before "retiring" to be a full-time mother and volunteer for the Victoria community.

Forever an educator, Sandra served for many years as a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph High School, The Victoria College Foundation Board, and The Victoria Adult Literacy Council. She was a founding member of The Children's Discovery Museum and Hospice of South Texas. After her husband's death in 1996, she filled his position on the Victoria County Courthouse Restoration Steering Committee. She was a very active member of the Junior League of Victoria and most recently served the League in the renovation of The O'Connor Proctor Building in downtown Victoria.

Sandra is survived by her daughters, Kathryn Behrends and her husband, Michael, of San Antonio, Amanda Connett and her husband, Hugh, of The Woodlands; and her son, Robert Vincent Williams and his wife, Julie, of Victoria. Also surviving are grandchildren: Jessica Behrends Homeyer, Caitlin Behrends Miller, Andrew Behrends, Clark and Margaret Connett, Kelsey, Ryan and Dennis Williams. She has seven great-grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited Friday, January 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral on Saturday, January 22 at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Behrends, Clark Connett, Dennis Williams, Ryan Williams, Bart Homeyer and Shane Miller.

Donations in Sandra's honor may be made to St. Joseph High School or Hospice of South Texas.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com