Sandra Jean Keil

On Sunday afternoon, September 1, 2024, with her family surrounding her, an angel of the Lord tapped Sandra Jean Keil on the shoulder and guided her gently from her earthly home to her forever home. Her Heavenly Father was waiting to greet her.

Sandra’s journey was filled with beauty, love, courage, and tremendous faith. She was born in Missouri, and earned her undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, an academically rigorous Christian school in Illinois. She started her career teaching English Literature at Stony Brook School in New York. She excelled at recognizing potential in her students, and encouraging their character development and spiritual growth. She was also busy as a mom as she created a wonderful childhood of special memories for her two children. She instilled the importance of faith, family and community in both of them.

Many people at Stony Brook became Sandra’s dear friends including her life-long friend of 52 years, Ann Tift. When Sandra made the next step in her journey, they taught together again, 960 miles south, at Macon’s Stratford Academy.

In her 40s, Sandra continued her journey and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Mercer University. Upon graduation, Sandra worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. She also served as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and guardian ad litem.

It was also in Macon that Sandra met her husband, Richard. Their faith-centered marriage was filled with much affection and love throughout their 34 years together.

Sandra was exceptionally creative and enjoyed reading, music (she was an accomplished pianist), gardening and traveling the world to Europe, the Far East, South America and in the U.S. Her home displays walls of books, artifacts from around the globe, and the stately piano that beckoned all to hear her play.

Yet her favorite trip was barely 90 miles away at Callaway Gardens, where she often gathered with family and friends. Her home was always open and filled with music and laughter, the basis for creating memories with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. These memories will sustain us and encourage us to live life as she did.

Sandra will be cherished forever by her husband, Richard; children, Stephanie (Witt) Gaither and David (Elizabeth) Skillen; grandchildren, Mary (Josh) Wedlund, Will Skillen and Emily Skillen and three great-grandchildren, Kinsey Analou Wedlund and twins Ellie Jean Wedlund and Thomas Henning Wedlund; sister Kris (Don) Metz; brother Mike Boyer; and nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Heartland Hospice and Sandra’s caregivers who showed much kindness to her.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Middle Georgia Community Food Bank or International Rescue Committee.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of the arrangements.