Sandra Howard/Hawkins came into and out of my life so many times I had to think before I wrote this. I worked with her Sister Jane in High School, then when I was teaching in North Kansas City - I competed against her in Tournaments - and, then, we both received scholarships to study in Chicago (she got to slap me in a Drama scene which I know she really enjoyed) - and many years later, I met her again when she shared a friendship with my Brother at their church. She was always lively, funny, competitive (I get to say that) - and she was a great actress (well - if I can forget the slap). Just reading her impact on students shows what an incredible person she was. It was an honor, Sandra Howard. It was an honor.

Sandra was not only a classmate in the RHS class of'63, but also my freshman room-mate at CMSU.  I loved reconnecting with her at our recent high school reunion and express my deepest sympathy to her family for the loss of their loved one and an amazing woman.

I could not have had a better Drama teacher than Mrs. Howard.  She was a joy to know and will be missed by many.

Sandra Howard was such an amazing spirit and teacher.  I'll never forget telling her about a new musical that I had seen on the TONYS ....called "A Chorus Line" at the end of my junior year.  

During my first speech class senior year she asked me to play a record/vinyl while everyone was getting seated.  Of course, she had gone out and bought the score to "A Chorus Line" to welcome me back to acting/speech.  She was one classy lady.

I loved Ms Howard, she could bring out the best in all kids.  She taught 2 of my sons & they loved her as I did to.  RIP  Ms Howard.

I had Sandra for speech. She was THE teacher who has influenced me the most in my entire school career, including college.  She was so caring.  She worked to inspire students. She was able to identify seeds of talent and nurture them to bloom.  Thank you and   RIP Ms. Houward.  Marie Bunce Class of 1971

"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you..."
I am so grateful for all you taught me. You inspired so many. RIP my friend.
Beth Niebergall-Monahan

Few people have been such a guiding light to so many--students, friends, DKG members, neighbors, anyone she encountered really.  She was thoughtful and generous and kind.  She welcomed everyone, had a great sense of humor, and was an inspiration to so many.  We shall all miss her.

Sandra....you were an inspiration to me in high school...you are an inspiration to me today. Thank-you for your unselfish giving to so many! Leslie Botts Rogers class of 69 GHS

I was never fortunate to have you as a teacher but became friends with you after I graduated from high school. I went to my first live play with you and my mother and will never forget the great time we had. Thank you for being a great friend.  May God bless you and your family during this time.

May your light continue to burn bright and shine down from Heaven above.

My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. Howard was an unforgettable teacher at Grandview.

Truly one of the very special people that influenced my life for the better, and I'm a better person because of it. She saw something special in me, that I didn't even see. She took a little scrawny, snot-nosed, somewhat self-conscience kid... and gave him the confidence and belief that he could do ANYTHING. I never got a chance to properly thank her. THANK-YOU, MRS. HOWARD!!!  
Somehow fittingly and ironically, Sandra picked me as the lead role as â€œPudâ€ in the play â€œOn Borrowed Timeâ€. A play where Pud and his Grandpa trick Mr. Brinks (death) into a tree where he would not be able to take people onto their great reward. Regretfully, I could not reprise this role in real life for herâ€¦ one last time.

Mrs. Howard brought out the best in us, as students and young performers (and for some of us, as future teachers...) Bravo! And rest in peace. Class of 85.

Mrs Howard was truly an inspiration and one of the teachers that greatly influenced my life. I had her for 3 consecutive years for Speech I, Drama and Debate, and Speech II. She will never be forgotten.

Mrs Howard was the kind of teacher that each of us should have been blessed with at least once in our lives.  She pushed us outside of our comfort zones, which made me cringe at the time, but made me a better person for it. Thank you for sharing your spirit with us.....until we meet again.  Debbie Ricketts Wescoat, GHS '76

She was an inspiration. Everyone was treated the same regardless of what neighborhood you lived in. She was a blessing to many and will be remembered for her kind and caring nature.

Sandy was the first person I met when I began substitute teaching at Grandview High School.  I was so young looking that she told me I couldn't park in the teacher's parking section.  After I explained that I was at GHS as a substitute teacher, she was nothing but friendly to me.  She retired very soon after I became a teacher at GHS, and I really missed her.  Sandy was a great encouragement to all of us at Grandview High.  She was a great lady!

Our very heart-felt condolences to Sandra's entire family.  RIP Sandra, O'Talented One!  We donated for research in Sandra's name.  With love and prayers xo Cheryl Clark, her daughter Mimi, Cathy Clark, Kevin and Terry Wallace Clark and son Kyle Clark, and their dad, Bob Clark

Mrs. Howard  will always be in my heart as an extraordinary teacher and coach.  I will miss her.

This will serve has the single Spotlight on the Theatre Stage.  Honoring your memory & love of all that is Theatre.

I will never forget Sandra Howard as my theater coach at GHS in 1975.  She was a loving, supportive and encouraging teacher and through her support I ended up receiving the International Thespian Society Scholarship which funded my college at UMKC through her insistence that I direct the GHS musical my senior year and compete in state drama tournaments.  I remember how happy she was when the new performing arts auditorium was built my senior year in 1975 and we stood side by side at the dedication of that.  She was so happy and excited to have this facility to offer to her performing arts students.  I always saw her as a role model and loving Presence.  Thank you, Mrs. Howard, for your gift to all of us.  I will never forget you.  And thank you.

I had Mrs. Howard for drama and debate.  A lot of memories of school musicals, plays, debate tournaments and varieties shows.  Thanks for the memories.  1974

My Mother, Mary Frances Hilliard Frost, was her student @ Grandview High School, graduated I believe in maybe 1972! My Mother passed (10-28-12 R.I.P. from MS & Cancer @ 59) Mrs. Sandra Howard was WAY MORE THAN JUST A TEACHER TO MY MOTHER! I wanted to write something nice here to the family about just how Special Mrs. Howard was to my Mom, since she's gone now, as I know if she was here, she would give her very High Respects for her! Mrs. Howard was so close in relationship with my Mother Mary that she even came over our house when I was a child(now 32)! She was a HUGE mentor, friend & most of all like a Mother to my Mom! Words can't describe how I feel about her passing as she encouraged my Mother when no one else was there & they walked down the road many times in successes in the Thespians club bringing home many Trophies in reflection to all their hard work. My Mother wouldn't have been the person she grew to be, if it wasn't for Mrs. Howard. The Joy I find in this is, they both are no longer in suffering & are both Together, Forever in Gods Kingdom; Heaven! R.I.P. Sandra Howard you will never be forgotten! Condolences to everyone! God Bless, signed Mary Frances Hilliard Frost, youngest child!

Mrs. Howard was my drama teacher for several years and her husband had been my speech teacher in Jr. High. I remember the girls in our class in Jr. High knew she must had been a good influence on her husband because after they were married he quit wearing socks that didn't match.  I'm so sorry to hear if her passing. Prayers are extended to her family.

When I started work for the Grandview School District, Sandra was one of the first educators the made a positive impression on me about shaping younger people's lives. As a custodian, she treated with respect and dignity. I will never forget how she helped me make the transition from the private sector. I still have a little plaque hanging on my wall, she gave me. It states: "He who has no problems is out of the game." When times are difficult I look                                                                                                                                                                           to that, for inspiration.

Mrs. Howard was one of the most important teachers I had between 1984 and 1986 and both inspired in me a love of theater and speech as well as helped me become a person confident on the stage from a person who was fearful of it.  Prayers for her family.

Sandra was a wonderful teacher and influence in my life.  My only year at Grandview HS, my senior year, holds many wonderful and cherished memories centered around my activities with the Thespian and Forensic teams and Mrs. Howard.  My role as John Proctor in the Crucible and achieving a number one ranking in the state of Missouri in Extemporaneous Speaking are cherished memories that never would have occurred without Sandra's encouragement and support. A wonderful, warm person who left an indelible positive influence on my life.  I am blessed to have had the pleasure of her guidance and friendship.

I can honestly say my high school years would have been a much different experience had it not been for Mrs. Howard.  She fostered the love of musical theatre that still runs through me today. I can only hope that she some idea of the impact she had on the lives of so many.   I can't even imagine the amount of teenage drama she dealt with - on and off the stage.  Thanks for so many cherished memories- I will always remember my years at GHS and the part you played in them.  Class Of '83.

What an absolutely wonderful teacher and person!  She helped me find my love for the arts and literature all through high school.  She will always be remembered.

Funny, encouraging, interesting and sharp are words I think of when I remember my drama teacher, Mrs. Howard.  I'm thankful I had the opportunity to have her as a teacher and I rejoice  that she's with her Lord in Heaven.

Sandy Howard was the most amazing teacher a young person could ever hope to have.  I was a theater geek, and worked closely with her throughout my HS years, both as lighting tech and as competitive actor.  Her influence on me will last the rest of my days.  Even now, I cannot see most musicals and many plays and films without remembering doing them under her tutelage.  She was an irreplaceable treasure.

She was a great teacher, and shaped my love of musical theater.  I now spend a good portion of my life giving speeches throughout the country and even at international meetings, and I can trace my communication and speech skills back to Ms. Howard and Ms. Sutter.  They both helped me survive those awkward years of high school to become the successful professional that I am today.  She will be missed.

I didn't have Mrs. Howard as a teacher but I knew of her. I got to know her when we were neighbors at Oak Tree, we would sit on the park bench and just talk, it always made for a memorable evening. GHS 76 RIP Sandra

Miss Hawkins gave me a detention after school one time.  She left the room for a little while and when she came back, she had a can of pop for me.  She wanted to talk to me about why I was acting out, but I was too stubborn to talk to her.  I should have talked it out and I have regretted that.  Class of '70

During my foreign exchange year as an AFS student on 1979/80, he was my drama teacher in Grandview High. One day she asked me to tell the classmates a story in Spanish,  so I stood up and played "Little Red Riding Hood". I played every single role, the little girl, the granny, the wolf...and it was a hit!! She laughed and like it so much  that I participated in several drama tournaments, making a fifth place in North Kansas City High. She even invited me to participate at Grandview High School Variety Show. I never saw her again after leaving Grandview, but I never forgot her. Rest in peace, mrs. Howard. Your pupil, Jose Lopez Garrido, Member of the Spanish Parliament, Alicante, Spain

Sandra was my high school speech teacher and someone I greatly admired. She was funny and kind and always encouraged us. When I did a demonstration of how to apply makeup, she asked me to be on the makeup crew for the school musical. That is a sweet memory. I became a teacher myself, influenced by her example. She touched so many lives. I pray that your family will know God's comfort in her passing.

I was also class of '68 at Grandview.  "Miss Hawkins" .......... she showed up one day and all us guys couldn't believe what a young and great looking teacher had descended upon us!  I had her for Public Speaking and she was really good at forcing all of us out of our shyness.  She "recruited" and talked me into participating in a school play; something I would never have done on my own.  She had a lasting impact on my life and I regret that I never saw her anymore after high school.  My deepest condolences to all of her loved ones.

I worked for several years with Sandy.  My room was across the hall from hers.  I made lots of costumes, and we travelled together to tournaments, when I directed debate.  She was funny, quirky, and a very special lady.  She taught me a great deal about making a difference in students' lives.  She also made a difference in my life.

I had Miss Hawkins her first year of teaching English at Grandview High. She really instilled in me the love of words that I have never lost.

Sandy and I spent many an hour together at speech tournaments and watching shows at our schools. I am so happy that last year I gave her a ride to see at show at The MET.  She gave me several items including a poem that she thought I would enjoy. As always, we had fun laughing and remembering. RIP, Sandy.  Your influence on your many students is being felt today.  Betsy Sexton

I graduated with Sandra in '63 and she was just a lovely person. I also remember seeing her at Raytown's musicals and plays in 2010-2011 as my daughter performed in them. She was still supporting the arts of her alma mater....true dedication! 
She is gone too soon!

Sandra was one of the first mentors I had as a new speech and theatre teacher.  Her quirky sense of humor, quick wit and enduring support made me, and many others, a better teacher.  She could always ask the most challenging questions in the kindest and caring way and get you to think about a problem you were having, or a show you were doing, in a deeper and more meaningful way.  Favorite memories will always be the long, but always entertaining bus rides that our troupes shared to and from the International Thespian Festival in Muncie, Indiana.  And I'll always remember that quick and ready laugh that came with the sense that she was sharing a secret moment of bonding with you--which, of course, she was.

Mrs. Howard touched and shaped my life in ways she could never understand. It was SO wonderful to see her at our 30th reunion (thanks to James Wright for bringing her!) and get the chance to re-connect. I am so fortunate to be able to say I was her student, and there are so many other "Forever Bulldogs" who can say the same...Rest in Peace, but, no - I can hear her "shouting" orders while directing, and now, there will be wonderful plays in Heaven.....Suzie (deVore) Warren GHS '79

Class of '68 here!  It appears from reading others condolence messages that our "Miss Hawkins" who began her teaching career during my last years at GHS continued to bring out the best in her students.  I was not the bright light in her class room with the natural talent of speech/drama.  Did that matter to her?  Not in the least! She brought her best self to each and every one of us!  I, the shy one, blossomed in her class with the patience but also with her compelling presence to do better!  It actually didn't matter if you scored well or received the best grades in her class!  You LEARNED from her and became a better version of yourself!!  I'm in awe of her and saddened that she is no longer here to bring her light to others.  However, I read others posts and know each of you are like the pebble in the pond....spreading your gifts to others, the gifts that were treasured and inspired by our "Miss Hawkins"!  Much love and affection to all that share in her love and talent!  I imagine heaven is a classroom with students listening and she is at the front....instructing still!  God bless....Rest in peace as heaven has a new angel...

I had Mrs. Howard for English and Speech at Grandview High School.  She was an excellent teacher and taught skills that have carried me through life.  She will be missed, but leaves a wonderful legacy in her students.

Thank you for the inspiration, encouragement, and time! You will be missed by so many, rest in peace Mrs. Howard

Mrs. Howard was a wonderful lady and great teacher and coach!  Loved acting in plays at school directed by this wonderful and encouraging teacher.  Rest in peace.  Julie Meyers St. Angelo, Class of 76.

Mrs. Howard was a fantastic teacher and a great life coach.  She had a giving spirit and a positive outlook.  She will be missed a great deal. Love and light!  Class of 93!

Class of 94. Out of all of the teachers that I had at Grandview high school, the only two teachers I even remember their names are Mr. and Mrs. Howard. She will be greatly missed and thought of often. Rest in peace Mrs. Howard

Mrs. Howard was among the best. She poured herself into her students and was one of those teachers you always remember. Thank you for giving of yourself!

Mrs. Howard was my drama teacher at Grandview and a good one. My condolences to her family and friends and may she rest eternally in peace.

Mrs. Howard touched so many lives and I'm thankful that I was one the people fortunate enough to be impacted by her. Rest well c/o 96 GHS

Sandra Howard was my dearest friend and mentor. She took me under her wing as a new theatre teacher in the area back in 1988, and although her forceful personality scared the pants off of me at first, I soon learned she was the truest, kindest, funniest, most giving being I have ever known.  I loved her eccentricities and her boundless wisdom.  She helped so many people without a thought to her own needs, pocketbook, or obligations.  I learned so much from her and about myself through her.  The Grande Dame of the stage will always be with me when that curtain opens and closes. Rest well, Lady Snapdragon.

Sandra was a fabulous lady. She will be dearly missed.

Sandra was a wonderful, interesting and caring person who positively touched the lives of many students...including me. Safe travels my friend.

I was fortunate to know Sandra through Delta Kappa Gamma, International as a member of Alpha Rho Chapter. Sandra always had a bright smile and cared deeply about the welfare of others. Her generosity knew no bounds. We loved having Sunday brunch at V's.
She has been greatly missed these past months. 
She was a good and faithful servant who has been welcomed into the loving arms of her father in heaven. She will always have a special place in my heart.

Mrs. Howard stopped me from quiting school and I will forever cherish her for that.  C/of 93.  She will be missed dearly

Thank you for being one of my favorite teachers.  I really appreciate all that you had done for me.  You will truly be missed.  C/O 92

My deepest condolences for Mrs. Howard's family. She had a huge impact to molding me into the women I've become. C/O '93.

Thank you for being such a kind and caring teacher. Rest well Mrs. Howard, you'll forever be remembered! C/O 93

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Gloria- 
We were saddened to hear that Aunt Sandra had died, but relieved for you that the painful struggle had ended. Please accept our warmest sympathy. Through these last months your family has displayed tremendous courage, which has been an inspiration to us. Your example was one we can remember when we too must face difficult moments. Our love and thoughts are with you. - Laurie and Joey

Your spirit was contagious, your generosity could never be matched, your wittiness was like no other and your knowledge was priceless.   No matter the situation you were always engaged in what was happening with other people.  You knew my flaws and never judged.  You knew my strengths and always complimented me.  I will be forever grateful for knowing you.   It's not goodbye Aunt Sandra but see you later.  We love you now and forever â€“ Cash and Laurie Weber

With deepest regards and true sympathy.  If I can assist with her service, please let me know.  Chuck Duer, Class of 1981, Thespian President. My email is chuck@cobalt88.com.  I'd be happy to help as needed.  As Sandra said, once a Thespian, always a Thespian.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Sandra K Howard

3 octobre 1945 – 13 septembre 2014

Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home & Floral Hills Cemetery

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