Sandra Gunnin Young

Sandra Gunnin Young of Birmingham, Alabama, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 14, 2026, at the age of 87, passing from life to Life. Born Sandra Ann Gunnin on February 19, 1939, in Bessemer to William "Bear" and Rochelle Gunnin, Sandra was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She found great joy in her family, raising four children and spoiling her eleven grandchildren who lovingly called her Bama. Sandra was a long-time member of Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville and Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham.

Sandra lived a life filled with devotion to her family and faith. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Beverly Gunnin, and her husband of thirty-five years, Leilus Jackson Young. Together Sandra and Jack raised their children: Pamela Runnels (Larry) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Sheila Haas (Robert); Valerie Lightfoot (Warren) and Jack Young, Jr. (Hayley), all of Birmingham. She cherished her role as a mother and always placed her family at the center of her world. Bama was also a beloved grandmother to her grandchildren: Colby (Ashley), Bradford and Parker Runnels; Virginia Haas Powell (Kasey), Noelle Haas Camp (John Wheeler) and Bobby Haas; Warren, Jackson and Vale Lightfoot; and Lillie and Stella Young. Her family continued to grow with the addition of her great-grandchildren, Brody Runnels and Charlie Powell, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her siblings, William Gunnin, Jr. (Marsha) and Judith Smith (predeceased by her husband, Tommy) of Hoover both of whom held a significant place in her heart, along with her nieces and nephews—Wendy, Angela, Tara, Jake, Patty and Bob.

Sandra had a passion for cooking and often brought family together around the table to share in delicious meals and joyful banter. She was an avid Alabama fan, thus, her very fitting grandmother name of Bama. Her other great love was tennis, both as a player and a fan, recently enjoying watching this year’s Wimbledon tournament.

Following a private family service, Sandra will be laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham. The family would like to thank her caregivers—Shonda Dailey, Channy Holman, Agness Mkilanya, and Candy Tullis—for their tender hearts and excellent care of “Miss Sandra.”

In remembering Sandra Gunnin Young, we celebrate a beautiful woman whose spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her devotion to her family, her unconditional love and her unwavering faith will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama.

Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.