Sandra Lee McElyea

Sandra Lee Sharp McElyea, 75, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 6, 2026, leaving behind a life built on faith, learning, and care for others. A devoted member of Union Baptist Church in Corryton, Sandra found a spiritual home there that anchored her throughout her life. She graduated from Fulton High School in 1968, and later answered a call to help others, completing her training through the Knoxville Adult Center Program to become a licensed practical nurse. For several years, she put that training to work as an LPN, offering comfort, skill, and compassion to those in her care. Sandra's story is one of quiet dedication to her faith, her family, her education, and to a profession built entirely around looking after others.

Sandra was preceded in passing by her parents, Worley H., and Clara Sharp; and husband, Larry W. McElyea.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Kati (Chris) Wheatley, Amanda (Gabe) Vos, Robert McElyea, Scott (Pamela) McElyea; brother, Worley H. “Dub” (Martha) Sharp; grandchildren, Savannah, R.J., Klara, Andrew, Timothy, Titus, Abigail McElyea, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Family and friends will gather to honor the memory of Sandra at McCarty-Evergreen Funeral Home, 7426 Asheville Highway, Knoxville, TN 37924, on Monday, June 22, 2026, with a visitation from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and a funeral service to follow at 7:00pm. Family and friends will meet for a committal service at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 1:00pm, with Pastor Craig Cummings to officiate the services. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Sandra to Alzheimer’s Tennessee Inc., 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the McElyea family at mccartyevergreen.com