Staci Winecoff Sansone

Born Staci Lynn Winecoff on October 9, 1971, in Columbia, South Carolina to Alice McRae and Gilbert Earl Winecoff, Staci was the second of two children.

Staci was vivacious and a beam of light in every room she entered. She was sarcastic, witty, and known for her dimples. She fiercely loved her family and friends and would do anything to protect everyone she loved. She loved animals, especially her dog, Oscar, and her “niece” dog, Demi, as well as her beloved fur babies Kyrra and Winnie, who preceded her in death. Animal Kingdom at Disney was one of her favorite places to visit.

Staci graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Sports Administration and a minor in Business. A lifelong sports enthusiast, she enjoyed baseball, football, and in recent years, horse racing.

While attending the University of South Carolina, she completed co-operative education assignments with the newly established Carolina Hurricanes and the Charlotte Knights. Although she knew very little about hockey when she began, her time with the Hurricanes sparked an appreciation for the sport and provided an opportunity to work in a field she truly enjoyed.

Throughout her career, Staci embraced a variety of professional opportunities. Among the most unique, was serving as an assistant in the Missile Defense Department in Washington, DC where she scheduled missile testing. During her time in Washington, she met Todd Little, whom she married in 2008. The couple later made their home in Lexington, South Carolina where Staci pursued a career in real estate. She found great satisfaction in helping others navigate the buying and selling process and enjoyed every aspect of the profession. Todd sadly passed away from cancer in December of 2009.

Staci met Frank Sansone on June 2, 2012 and the two married on June 1, 2013. Through this marriage, she became a stepmother to two adult children, Michael Sansone and Frank Jason Sansone, and two amazing, young kids – Ashley Sansone and Preston Sansone, whom she loved as her own. She enjoyed attending Ashley’s dance competitions, as well as Preston’s baseball and football games. Staci and Frank loved going to one of her favorite places on Earth, Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, Kentucky. It was her love and happy place. They enjoyed striper fishing and boating on Lake Murray together. Staci and Frank also enjoyed tailgating and attending football games at Clemson with her sister Deidra and brother-in-law Brady.

Staci is survived by her husband, Frank Sansone; and four stepchildren, Michael Sansone, Frank Jason Sansone, Ashley Price (Vincent), and Preston Sansone. She is survived by her step grandchildren, AJ, Haley, Savannah, Victoria and Miabella; as well as by her beloved sister Deidra Williams, brother-in-law Brady Williams, and nephew Colin Williams.

Staci was preceded in death by her father, Gilbert Winecoff (1999), and her mother Alice McRae Winecoff McGirt (2026).

She is also survived by her dear friend, Lisa Couture, who, alongside Frank and Deidra, cared for Staci after her diagnosis, and Lisa’s children, Jamie Walker (Chris), Justin Walker and Harrison Walker, who Staci lovingly considered her godchildren.

Staci will be remembered for her love of sports, her adventurous spirit, and the genuine care she showed to those fortunate enough to know her. Her warmth, resilience, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

The family will be holding a celebration of life at Golden Hills Golf & Country Club at 100 Scotland Drive, Lexington, South Carolina, 29072 on July 25, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Doctor Fred J. Kudrik at South Carolina Oncology Associates, as well as his Physician’s Assistant Nichole Hendry, and the entire staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.