Sandra Jean Henson Turner

She was a 1958 graduate of Manatee High School where she was a member of the marching band and other organizations. She then proudly graduated from Florida State University in 1962 with a degree in elementary education and went on to earn a master’s in reading education from Nova University. Sandy used her degrees to share her love of education with hundreds of elementary and middle school children in Manatee County for almost thirty years. She had a profound effect on her students starting at Palm View Elementary School and continuing her career at Miller Elementary, Palma Sola Elementary, Braden River Elementary, and finishing at Sugg Middle School where she was able to teach alongside her daughter.

Sandy had a beautiful voice and sang with the Sweet Adelines as well as her church choir. She was also a member of various community organizations and educational groups over the years including being named Beta Tau Girl of the Year. She was a National Merit teacher and nominated for teacher of the year.

A passionate NASCAR racing fan, she was able to attend the Daytona 500 and the Cup Series at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, checking off a dream of watching Rusty Wallace race in person; however, Sandy’s greatest passion in life was being a mother and grandmother. She loved her son and daughter with her entire heart and stopped at nothing to ensure they always knew they were the most important people in her life. She was happiest when she was “Nana” to her grandchildren, teaching them to fish, watching them play sports, reading bedtime stories, and having “girls’ weekends” at numerous dance competitions. A bit of her will remain in our hearts forever.

Sandy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Sean O’Leary; her son and daughter-in-law, William and Nikii Turner; her grandchildren Connor, Austin, Logan, Kiley, and Maddison; as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, George Leon Henson; mother, Carolyn Wilbur; beloved aunt, Glenn Henson; brother, George “Sonny” Henson; and brother, Ralph “Bubba” Henson.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, at 2:00PM at Manasota Memorial Park Cemetery, 1221 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, Fl. Robert Toale and Sons will be handling the funeral arrangements.