Sandra Richmond Carrington

Sandra was born on February 1st, 1949 in Beaumont, Texas to Bob and Ellouise Richmond. The oldest of 5 children, she grew up in Beaumont. The first home the family shared did not have a yard, so her mother passed the time by reading to Sandra every day. This undoubtedly is why Sandra loved to read. She also loved to sing and was a member of the Melody Maids in junior high. She and her friend, Jeanne loved to do projects together. They would sing show tunes and write plays. One play they wrote was about Shakespeare from the perspective of his maids and they performed it for Mrs. Carlin’s 7th grade English class. Throughout school, she was devoted to her studies. She was in Latin club and German club and graduated with honors from South Park High School. After graduation, she enrolled in Lamar University and became involved in civic activities in Beaumont, singing in the chorus for the performances of Madame Butterfly and La Boheme by the Beaumont Civic Opera. After spending one year at Lamar, she transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a B.A. in English and ultimately a Masters in Library Science. She shared her passion for reading by working for almost 27 years with the Austin Public Library, serving as Branch Manager for the Manchaca and Pleasant Hill locations.

Playing matchmaker, Sandra’s college roommate introduced her to Don Carrington and suggested they go to dinner. It was love at first sight and they married on August 26th, 1978. Sandra and Don made Austin their home. In 1985, love at first sight happened again when she became a mother to Christopher Robert Carrington. Sandra was a loving and devoted mother, reading to Chris every day and passing on her love of reading.

Sandra’s faith was the bedrock of her life. As she and Don moved around Austin, they were members of several churches. They found their church home in 2007 and became charter members of Austin Baptist Church. Sandra fulfilled her love of singing as a devoted member of her church choir. During their time at Tarrytown Baptist Church, she and Don performed with the choir at the Globe Theater in Odessa, Texas in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. While at Riverbend Baptist Church the choir had the exciting honor of performing on stage with Willie Nelson in a concert benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Sandra was also active in Bible Study Fellowship for over 12 years and served for several years as group leader. Church activities for Sandra always included choir, Vacation Bible School and Sunday morning Bible study groups.

Sandra will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle soul and especially her smile. She had a beautiful smile when singing that meant so much to so many.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her beloved husband Don and son Chris. She is also survived by her mother Hattie Ellouise Richmond and four siblings: John Richmond and wife, Cathy; Ronnie Richmond and wife, Cheryl; Donna Richmond Sachs and husband, Eric; and Scott Richmond. Brother-in-law Ward Nicholson; Nephew Sean and wife, Lendy; Nieces Michelle; Lauren and husband, Michael; Leslie and husband, Jonathan; Kristin and husband, Shaun; Kelli and husband, Rick; Katie; Brooke and Blair. As well as 16 great nieces and nephews.

Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved father, Robert L. Richmond (2015)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Austin Baptist Church or the charity of your choosing.