Sandra Kaye Peters was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Sandra will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Sandra Kaye Peters was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Sandra will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Sandra Kaye Peters April 4th, 1946 - July 5th, 2018 was born to Harold (Pete) Peters and Julia Reed Peters. Her maternal grandparents were Hazel and Raythie Reed, and her paternal grandparents were Hattie Lucita and James Patton Peters. She was born premature at Holston Valley Community Hospital. Due to obstacles on the way to the hospital, she was born while her mother was in the wheelchair being rushed to the maternity ward. Her parents said “that was the first time she was ever early. Ever since she was always late”.

Sandra Kaye had three siblings and she was the youngest – the baby of the bunch. Her siblings were Jean, Brenda, and Donna. Kaye and her siblings were very close. Actually, her entire family was very close-knit.

She enjoyed playing games and riding her bike with them every chance she got. Kaye loved to slip off from the house whenever she could to play with the neighbors. She would be playing with the neighborhood boys and would play whatever sport was in season, whether it was football, basketball, softball, or baseball. All the boys knew that she was rough and tough and hard to beat. They knew that when Kaye played, she played to win.

Her interests were always more suited to boys than girls. Instead of playing with dolls, and other little girl things, she wanted a gun with a holster or to play with cars and trucks. She would run to school so she could play before the bell rang, and she also wanted to be the one to raise the flag. No one could tell you how many fights she got into or why. She was always very protective of her family and friends. She didn't want them to get hurt and didn't care if she got hurt doing her part in protecting them.

As a child, Kaye followed her dad around and was always in his footsteps while he was at the service station and selling appliances. She would sometimes take the big boxes that the appliances came in to make houses. Her desire to design and build began at a very early age. A lot of this can probably be attributed to the influence of her paternal grandfather, who was a carpenter. She always had an eye for business opportunities as well.

One story that stands out is one of Kaye collecting and saving the papers that the grits would come in until she had a sufficient amount. Then she would go around to the neighbors and sell them their grit papers back. Although the neighbors knew it was originally their papers to start with, they admired her efforts and bought them from her. Incidents like this only fueled Kaye business-minded pursuits. When Kaye was 10 years old, she got set back a step or two when her sister had her first child. She no longer got the attention she had always known from her father, and that was a big disappointment to her. It wasn’t over yet though. Soon came other nieces and nephews.

When she entered high School in the later part of 1960, she took on some new activities. She played basketball on the school team and played in the band. She loved her music and she loved to dance. In the early sixties, she would have her girlfriends over and dance the night away. It wouldn’t be long though before the boys came to join them. Kaye had many good times with those friends. She loves hot dogs so, as you can imagine, everyone had hot dogs from the Lynn garden restaurant, which was the big hang out at the time and located on Lynn garden drive in Kingsport. She also loved the pizza from sugar and spice on Lynn garden drive.

As well as having fun, Kaye took on more responsibility by joining many clubs. During her first year, she was in Drama club, Y-teens, Roman Republic club, and County Day club. During her second year, she was in Drama club, Glee club, vice-president of Y-teens, Roman Republic club, and on the Library staff. During her third year, she was in Y-teens, on the Student Council, the Class Treasurer, Superlative, vice-president of Civitan club, Choir, and the Lynettes. During her fourth year, vice-president of FBLA, president of Civitan club, Choir, Lynettes, and the Ad Staff. These clubs did a lot to nurture her already kind and giving nature and made her more aware of the concept of social responsibility.

Kaye felt a much greater need to help others and make a positive impact on life. She was spending more time with her nieces and nephews during this time. She was always picking them up and taking them out to eat and other things. She loved to play Santa Claus with her nieces and nephews and their neighbors too. She would dress up in a Santa suit complete with a large red bag over her shoulder and would walk through the yards to make the children think they better go to sleep or Santa wouldn’t stop at their house. On one of those times, a little boy told Kaye the next day, “Kaye, Santa wears shoes just like yours”. The description of Kaye in her yearbook for her senior year says full of pep and fun a troublemaker on the run. When she was in the athletic department, she was quoted as saying when you play, play hard. When you work, don’t play at all this was a motto that Kaye lived her life by.

Kaye went to college at ETSU. She majored in music and wanted to become a music teacher. She quickly found out though as some of the students were much more talented than her and she said there are other things I would rather do than go to college and quit. She went out on her own to do her own thing. She ordered men’s socks, ladies’ pantyhose, socks, and wrap around skirts but she would sell from the trunk of her car. While doing that, she also helped her mother at Poly-Clean and, eventually, took over the Poly-Clean. Kaye continued to juggle her work with her fun. She loved to cruise Broad Street and met many friends. They would go out together to the Blue Circle or Texas Steer to eat. She would get some friends to drive to Knoxville and they would go to some clubs and dance the night away. She wouldn’t get home until midnight or later and would end up getting up late for work. She also played softball on a traveling team called Big Kay and bowled on a bowling league.

When she went to work at the Kingsport Press, the guys would sing when she came into work, “here comes Kaye – broad shoulders, narrow hips, don’t give me no lip, big Kaye”. This was the time she met Betty and Paul and they would all go to the drive-in theater every time the movies changed, bringing pizza, popcorn, candy, and hot dogs. She always had fun whatever she did. She left the Press and went to North Electric very briefly. She then decided she needed something else in her life something more fulfilling. She got into real estate in 1973 doing work for other real estate companies. She was the youngest real estate agent to get her broker’s license to sell real estate and have her own office. Then she began to teach real estate, so the students could pass the test and get their licenses. She was a wonderful real estate agent.

Now her lifelong dream began. She designed the building for many years, bought the land, and began the excavating. Then came the building, and as she had always wanted to do Kaye was her own contractor and purchaser of the lumber, plumbing, wiring, and all the supplies. Instead of going home to rest or go to bed, she stayed and worked to finish her project. She wanted to build the apartments and fill with them with tenants, and then sell the apartment complex. She sold one building, but after that sell, the economy got bad – as we remember in the 70s. She finished her project and became a landlady. She was excellent at the dealing with the new and old tenants. While dealing with the new undertaking and the ownership and management of the apartments. She worked very hard to keep all going smooth as possible and did a very good job. She was a very giving person. If the tenants had a problem with not having money to pay rent, she would let them not pay that month’s rent. Kaye did all the maintenance to save all the money she could.

When she got into real estate, she met a lady with two small children. Being the person she was, when they needed a little help, Kaye did what she did best and helped wherever she could. The lady was Kitty Ancell, and her children were Rhae and Rodney Ancell. Kitty helped with Rhae and Kaye took Rodney. The children's father wasn't there to help. As you well know Kaye did the great thing of giving them a better outlook on life. Rodney was her godson and helped in as many ways around the apartment as a little boy could. He played a very important part of her life, while she was working hard in getting Cedar Hearth up and running. Kaye gave Rodney a very good life and gave him things to take with him into the adult world. She was very proudly treating him like a son she never had. After Kaye got the apartments, Cedar Hearth built, and up and running and doing very well, she began going to church and studying the Bible. She was thanking God for helping her with her dreams and allowing them to come true. Kaye and her new little family went to the Apostolic Lighthouse and became good witnesses for God. In February 1978, she was baptized by her uncle G.D. Peters, the pastor. She maintained her walk with God. Later, when Kitty and Rhae went their separate ways, Rodney stayed with Kaye.

A few years later, a friend from way back earlier in her life had problems in her marriage; that was Betty. Of course, Kaye invited her into her home at 1853 Midview. Now she had more help with the maintenance and the running of things at the apartments. She then took another job managing some apartments for a good friend, Pal Barger. As if that wasn’t enough, Kaye and Betty took on a mowing business and did very well with that. Little by little, they gave up the mowing and just worked on managing the apartments.
After all that began to settle in with the apartment complex, she began to take a few vacations to places like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Epcot, Florida; Daytona Beach; Washington, DC; and Pennsylvania. Those were only a few of the places. She made many trips to Gatlinburg, which was one of her favorite places in the mountains – looking at all of God’s beautiful work.

She lost her father due to cancer, and that became a very large void in her life. She wanted to move her mother in with her, but her mother wasn't having it. She finally decided to come on over to live with Kaye, and Kaye built a wing on her house, so her mother could move in. Now her mother's health began to fail, visits to the hospital came more frequently, and she became very ill. Then, Kaye lost her mother.
As well as the loving care that Kaye provided for her mother, in an environment specifically made for her, Kaye also did a lot for Betty and her family, the Rodefers. She helped Betty’s family with projects that they were working on and gave them the materials to work with as needed. She always had something to give, whether it was money, materials, or just the advice that they needed. She was a unique person and one of a kind. She was amazing to talk to. It was very interesting to talk to her about her accomplishments in life. It was fascinating to hear her talk of what she did in life and how she did it.

During Kaye’s last years, she still managed Cedar Hearth and bought a few houses along the way with the help of Betty. Kaye did very well with all the property. She worked very hard to have what she had acquired in life. She was very responsible for the job and taking care of the tenants. She was always willing to listen to their stories and hardships. As you know she gave to them, as she could, to make times much easier. One thing that Kaye did was keep, what she called, her “Four Tickets”. Those tickets were slots that she kept available to help those who needed it. She always kept those slots filled in her life with the people she felt needed the help the most, and she did what she could to provide for them and take care of them. She did not like to think of people suffering when she could do something to make things better for them. She was a very kind and loving landlady, and all the tenants loved her for it. Everyone knew that if they really needed something, Kaye was there to listen and help as she could. She would allow them to miss their rent when they were unable to pay, and she helped them to get vehicles (if they were unable to get one on their own) and pay her back on a payment plan. She would help in any area they needed, if she was able. Kaye was like a shepherd overlooking her flock, or a mother over her children, with those in the apartments. She genuinely cared for them, as she believed a good Christian should. She lived her life in a way that she felt God wanted to repay Him for all her good fortune.

This book was prepared by Betty Rodefer, with the help of Eric Lowe. All information was gathered in the best fashion that it could be, and if any information is inaccurate, we apologize.

Sandra Kaye Peters, 72, of Kingsport, went to the arms of the Lord on July 5, 2018 after a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Harold “Pete” and Julie Peters. And her late sisters Jean Radford and Brenda Light.

She is survived by her sister Donna Warner and husband Don, aunts Francis Henard and Kathleen Ramey and uncle Virgil Peters, several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. And special friends and associates Betty J Rodefer and Godson Rodney Ancell.

Kaye was a graduate of Lynn View High School in 1964. She was very active in sports and other clubs and activities of the school. She attended ETSU for 2 years, said, “I rather do other things than college.” Kaye worked at the Kingsport Press, North Electric and took over her father’s business, Pete’s Poly Clean. She attended Apostolic Lighthouse Church.

She got her realtors license and worked in the real estate field. She got her own office, called Kaye Peters Relator. Kaye also had her Broker’s license and was the youngest broker in Kingsport. She also began to tutor other students to get their realtor’s license.

Kaye had a dream all her life to design and build. In 1977, her dream became reality in designing and building an apartment complex on Allen Drive called Cedar Hearth. As she was completing the project, she got to know the Lord better day by day.

Kaye was a kind and loving person. So willing to help in so many ways by helping both financially and by talking with them and making them feel better about their problems.

She loved everyone, loved to play games and cards with her friends. She enjoyed watching TV and had a great love of music.

Kaye will be greatly missed by all the family, friends, neighbors, and her tenants.

The family will receive friends on Saturday July 7, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7:00pm with Rev. David Peters and Pastor Richard Dice officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted on Sunday July 8, 2018 at 2:00pm at East Lawn Memorial Garden in the garden of the Good Shepherd.

Pallbearers will be Steve Franklin, Scott Franklin, Jeff Warner, Darryl Light, Brian Light and Rodney Ancell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Scotty Haynes, Fred Kilgore, Mike Goins, Roger Hobrook, Aubry Price, and Ralph Williams.

The family would like to thank the staff of Wilcox Hall and Holston Valley Medical Center for their care and compassion. Online condolences may be made to the Peters family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Peters family.


Simply stated, Sandra was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Sandra leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Sandra Kaye Peters.

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Wow, it is really difficult to remember all the antics of “Kaye”. We met in second grade, but we lived farther apart so we didn’t socialize after school till we were older. In elementary school she was always in trouble. We had some mean teachers back then. Those same teachers would not be allowed to teach in today’s climate. She got a paddling one time and the whole school was in an uproar. Her mom came and was really upset, she always wore skirts and they pulled her skirt up and spanked her. The only real problem with Kaye was she was ahead of her time. No one wanted females to be predominate in any way, shape or form. It was a different time.

In high school she went outside and smoked with the boys! We all smoked but would not be caught outside smoking with the boys! All the girls sneaked off at lunch and smoked until we had to be back in school.

When Kaye got her driver’s license she got them suspended right away, I had to drive her around.

She sold me my second house. She lived close tome when my first daughter was little. She had a hard time deciding what to do with her life.

There is so much I can’t write about her, she was, as I am a private person. She was truly loved and respected.

---- Shelia Miller


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Sandra Kaye Peters was and always will be a figure larger in life that always deserved my utmost respect. She deserved it with her actions because Kaye took my family in when I was five years old. Why would anyone in their right mind be willing to take in my mom, sister and a wide eye boy named Rodney?

Kaye Peters had such a big and loving family, the kind you would see on TV like the Walton’s. I never knew what a family was supposed to be like but this family had open arms and for the most part accepted all of us into the Peter’s family. You see Kaye showed me things that my dad should have done. Don’t get me wrong Kaye was 100% a woman. A woman who did not take any crap from anyone. Kaye was a straight shooter who spoke her mind and when it dealt with her business everyone knew she was the BOSS! Kaye was the head of our house. She brought stability, love, honesty and selfless service into my life. Kaye wouldn’t just give me whatever I wanted but helped me achieve a goal by working hard for what I wanted. Yes she would kick in some money when I got close to show me that hard work does get rewarded. She helped me get my first motorcycle even though my mom said no. Thanks Kaye I loved it! She helped me find the right first vehicle which was a F100 forest green truck. Kaye came and watched me play basketball and tennis when many parents didn’t show up for their kids. Kaye was there for me when I had girl problems and she would talk to me and give great advice. Kaye relished the opportunity to be the best parent she could be. Kaye seen me graduate high school; continue on to college to play sports even though I didn’t do very well. I joined the Army without telling anyone. Kaye absolutely hated that because she didn’t want me to leave. She respected me for making my own decision, sticking it out and making a career for myself.

This lady had a passion for life and for a large part of it I know it was because I was in her life. Her drive for success was to help show me that hard work would pay off in the future. It’s funny and I hate to admit it but most of the time Kaye was right. As I am writing this so many emotions come out because it is hard to believe my bigger than life Kaye has passed away. Honestly I figured she would live forever. Well she will in my heart with the awesome memories I have of her over the years.

Kaye had someone else in her life that gave her love and respect. This lady became a part of our family and we always called her Aunt Betty. Betty has been there for Kaye for around thirty-two years now. Best Friends for life is an understatement to say the least! It was truly a blessing from God when Betty came into Kaye’s life because they were meant to be besties. They both worked hard to be the best roommate and best friend to each other. I would be wrong if I didn’t say that you to Betty for all you have done over the past thirty or so years and especially the last few years. You stayed when most wouldn’t have and you never left Kaye’s side at her time of need. I believe Kaye was never a happier person than being with you. She truly loved you as much as she loved me and her incredible family. You are and always will be a part of our family. We love you so very much! I am sorry I am not there for you now.

I want to leave everyone with a quote that reminds me of what kind of person Kaye was. She was a giving lady who was willing to help anyone who had the desire to help themselves. Respect was earned not given.
“It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.” “There is always something to be grateful for.” “Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.”

In the bible we are promised our second home when we accept and believe the Lord, our Savior.
John 14: 2 -3 states: 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Kaye gave the best gift she could ever give anyone. She gave me opportunity to know what it is to have Jesus in my heart. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and was baptized by her Uncle Granville at The Apostolic Lighthouse Church. I know this may be a sad day because her fleshly body is gone but we should celebrate knowing she is going to her prepared place in heave that we’re all promised.
I know she will get to see her mom and dad along with the sisters she loved so much that left before her. Kaye was all about family maybe she didn’t always communicate it well, but she loved her family and lived her life the way it made her happy! Kaye I still love the Dallas Cowboys and I am the person I am today because of you. Your presence will be missed on this earth but our conversation will continue. So this isn’t goodbye because I will see you when it is time to come home!

Your forever, loving God-Son Rodney Jay Witherspoon!

----Rodney Ancell


Simply stated, Sandra was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Sandra leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Sandra Kaye Peters.