Sandra "Sandi" Gant Robinson

Sandra Elizabeth Gant Robinson (“Sandi”) of Wake Forest, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on October 5, 1945, in Durham, North Carolina, Sandi spent much of her youth there before moving to Raleigh with John during his time at NC State, where they began building their life together.

Sandi lived with a servant’s heart, always giving of herself in ways both big and small. She showed her love through generosity and kindness, welcoming everyone into her home with open arms and making people feel like they belonged. Her creativity was woven throughout her life, from her years as a preschool teacher to the many crafts she created and shared, always finding joy in teaching and encouraging others.

Following her graduation from Durham High School in 1964, Sandi began her career with the telephone company, working as a long-distance operator and later in sales. After becoming a mother, she found her true calling in teaching, spending years nurturing young children in preschool classrooms. Her love for teaching extended far beyond the classroom, she had a gift for helping others discover their own creativity.

Throughout her life, Sandi expressed herself through a wide range of crafts, from sewing and ceramics to jewelry making and scrapbooking, her hands were rarely still. She taught ceramic classes from her home, guiding both children and adults in creating and decorating pieces that became treasured keepsakes. Later, she shared her passion for scrapbooking and card making through classes at local craft stores and within her community. Her influence reached far and wide, with many of her students staying in touch over the years, a testament to the lasting impact she had on their lives.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. At Crabtree Valley Baptist Church, Sandi devoted countless hours to serving others, especially children and youth. She taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir, and supported youth programs with unwavering dedication. Even in later years, when she was no longer able to participate as actively, she continued to serve behind the scenes, preparing materials and finding ways to contribute.

Sandi’s generosity was evident in everything she did. She showed love through giving, of her time, her talents, and her heart. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, and she cherished her family deeply, including her beloved granddogs, who brought her immense joy.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillian Leigh Brooks; her father, James Oliver Gant; and her niece, Tracey Zimmerman. She is survived by her loving husband, John Robinson; her daughters, Shannon Robinson and Mary-Elizabeth Robinson; her brother, Robert Zimmerman; and her sisters, Hannah Soto (Bill) and Ada Andrews and many extended family members including in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the teams at Raleigh Medical Group, Rex Hospital ICU, Hillcrest, and Amedisys Home Health Care for the care, compassion, and dignity they provided during Sandi’s final days.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, on Glenwood Avenue. A funeral service will take place on Sunday, May 3 at 2pm at Crabtree Valley Baptist Church and the Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Sandi’s honor to Crabtree Valley Baptist Church (P.O. Box 30954, Raleigh, NC 27622) or to Assistance League of the Triangle Area (P.O. Box 98477, Raleigh, NC 27624).

Sandi will be remembered for her heart of gold and the countless lives she touched through her generosity and the genuine way she made others feel seen, valued and loved. Her legacy lives on in the many hands she guided, the hearts she nurtured, and the love she so freely gave.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Sandi, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.