Dear Friend,  So many things I want to tell you and share with you.  I miss the sound of your voice, your laughter, your smile and your precious, precious friendship. Linda

Not a day, not a moment passes without want of your voice and council.

Rusty

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Jim, our thoughts and prayers are with you.  The memorial service was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. The Lord and your memories will hold you up.  Wes & Pat

My Sweet Sandy:
I have always felt that Sandy was like a second sister to me. She has always been a very good friend and a beloved sister-in-law. When Grandma Ruby would talk about Sandy and Jim, she always said that Sandy was such a wonderful person. She was very happy that Jim had found such a loving and caring person. I can't begin to express how sad I am about Sandy passing away, but I know that she is in Heaven looking down on her family.

I would like to close and just say "Sandy, I love you and miss you and look forward to being with you again in the furture."

When my brother Jim married Sandy over 38 years ago, I knew someone special just entered our family.  A perfect match for Jim to begin growing their family with James and Scott coming along soon after.  My wife Phyllis hit it off early with Sandy and over the years became life long friends and sisters.  Their personalities matched perfectly, and together we always looked forward to spending time with Jim and Sandy - I called her our "Georgia Peach" I remember many conversations with Sandy telling us how proud she was of James and Scott as they grew up to become men with their own families.  We have always loved Sandy and will miss her deeply.

My Dear Sweet Sandy Jeanne,

You have been my friend, my confidante and my "sister" for over 35 years. Even though we didn't always live near each other, we were always as close as the phone.

I have so many wonderful and fond memories of us laughing, crying and talking about everything, including "fixing the Markley boys". 

I miss you so much but I know that you are in a better place now, free of pain and I know that you smiling down on us and making sure that everyone is alright.

I love you, Phyllis Ann

How do you write a passage to honor your Mother?  You could start by expressing how loving and caring she was.  You could recount the many times she held you and told you it was alright, or the ways her eyes would light up when you recounted your many crazy stories.  How she was always proud even when no one else was.  My Mom is a beautiful woman who tried to love others as best she could.  She took to heart the Lord’s commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.  She was a peacemaker and a child of her God.  And even though it tore my heart to see her in her last days, I knew that her life was just about to begin.  Although there is still a little boy inside who was scared to see his Mama go, there is a man who lives by faith and knows that she is delighting in the presence of her Saviour.  And for me there is no greater peace.  I will always love you Mom.  Thank you for always being patience with me.  Your Loving Son, Scott

My Sister-in-Law Sandy:


I met Sandy in youth group when I was in high school at a church we were attending in California called Ambassador Baptist Church. Sandy began dating my brother Jim so we got to know each other because she would come to our house often. 

Within a short time, they got married in the summer of my junior year of high school. Sandy asked me to be one of the bridesmaids in their wedding and I was honored to be part of the wedding party. 

Three years would go by and I would be married and soon having my first son John. Sandy got pregnant with James that year when I was five months pregnant with John. We spent many days together hanging out with the boys having lunch, taking them to the park, McDonald's, and the library.  James and John were so close in age that they were actually play mates for each other. Next, Scott was born fifteen months later and we spent even more time together just helping each other out with three small children. The next year my son Greg was born. Now we had a 2-1/2 year old, a 2 year old, a 9-month old and a newborn.  

Looking back we had so many laughs and memories with the four children spending time together. We always lived within10 miles of each other's home until they moved to Georgia.  Eventually, we would move to Georgia as well and spend holidays, birthdays, and parties together.  

Her kids and mine grew up together. Cousins, how cool is that!  However, as the years kept rolling by, each kid would pursue a career, get married, and have children. Grandchildren!  Sandy and I talked about our grandchildren all the time. If we were sad, we would always cheer up listening to each other talk about them. 

 When Sandy found out she had cancer, the two of us became even closer. Unfortunately, the next year my oldest son would pass away. Sandy would call me often to check on me. We leaned on each other during those difficult days and months.  As Sandy got weaker, her faith in God grew stronger.  She was a real witness for God posting on the Caring Bridge site her journey with Ovarian Cancer with her positive attitude. 

I loved Sandy with all of my heart. She was more like a big sister to me and a good friend. I still can't believe she is gone. Many times I want to pick the phone up to call her and then I remember she is in Heaven with God.  .   

Love you, 

Evelyn Waldrop

Compared to many people I didn't know Sandy very long.  I didn't meet her until I started dating her nephew, Greg, and met her in 2002 when I visited Georgia.  I loved Sandy instantly!  She was hospitable, genuine,  welcoming, and friendly.  She was the perfect picture of  what "southern hospitality" is all about, but truly I know it had nothing to do with living in the South!  It was Sandy's outgoing, loving personality!  
As time went on, I know Sandy had other qualities that I loved about her!  
She was the perfect party planner.  I attended Thanksgiving at Jim and Sandy's house in 2003, Scott and Jenifer's baby shower, and a couple of other get-togethers at their house!  No detail was ever forgotten, and everything was planned perfectly to make each event so extraordinarily special.  I'm guessing there are lots of parties in Heaven, and no doubt, Sandy is on the party planning committee! 
Sandy was a very thoughtful gift giver!  We will treasure the Christmas ornaments she and Jim gave us as a wedding shower gift seven years ago.  My kids, Sandy's great niece and nephew, can quote word for word the book, "My Little Love Bug," a birthday gift she gave to my daughter when she was a year old.
Sandy was such a generous, loving person!  Even to people she didn't know!  I had a friend who was visiting Georgia with her husband and toddler, and was planning on bring all of the baby gear with her.  I knew if anyone could make my friend's trip easier, it would be Sandy, who, immediately after I called her (and this was very last minute) made a call, and secured baby items for my friend to borrow!  That was just the type of person Sandy was-always thinking of, serving, and loving others, with the beautiful smile on her face!  I know we are all better people for having known Sandy Markley!  She will be missed immensely!

Sandy, you are such a beautiful and warm spirit.  You were a great friend and I will miss you so very much.  Jim, thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.  I feel that I have been blessed by you and this intimate experience with your family.  I'll always be there for you, my friend.

     Sandy will always be my "forever friend".  Our friendship spanned over 25 years and I will always remember the way she showed so much love towards her family and friends.  I will miss the twinkle in her eye, the wit of her words and the laughter in her heart.  I was truly humbled by the grace with which she faced her ordeal and will keep her memory and friendship close to my heart.

Jim..."I am a better for having known Sandy in my life."
I always felt stronger when I was around her...I miss her greatly

Your loving brother ,

Bill

For some reason I have always remembered the first time I saw Sandy. She was sitting on the school bleachers singing the praises of her son Scott.Our boys became friends and we became friends as we prayed for our boys and surrounded them with angels.
Over the years our friendship deepened and I was amazed at how much living Sandy packed into her life.

She was such an inspiration to me in so many ways.

Whether we were laughing together, crying together or praying together,

Sandy lived love.
She lived faith.
She lived hope.
She lived joy.
She lived courage. 
SANDY LIVED FULLY.
She told me she would find that special place where she, our friend Barb, and I could spend time together someday. With her there to prepare it I know it will be a beautiful place.
Until then I will miss her dearly.

We know how hard it is to face the new year without a loved one, but the love of family and friends help to carry you throughout the year.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

My dear Aunt Sandy, you were my mentor, my confidante and my second mother.  I may not have been your daughter, but you always treated me like one and always loved my kids as your own. 

You are part of who I am and part of who I’ve become. You taught me to have faith, to find the joy in living, to have patience and to never ever give up no matter what. You were an amazing beautiful person and I’m better for having known you.

During one of our last conversations we were able to talk about the end, where you were going and how busy your going to be working for Jesus. I didn’t know it at the time, but in retrospect I’ve realized that this was the most amazing gift you could have given me. I don’t wonder where you are, what your doing or who your with. I know you are no longer in pain and I know you are fulfilling your destiny.

I love you and nothing I can say will ever express how deeply I will miss you. 

Until we meet again;

Your loving niece always and forever,
Brandy Louise

Proverbs 18:24 says "...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  What a privilege to have Sandy as this kind of friend...one who listened, cared, and offered help when needed - in good times and bad.  She shared in the joy of our children's weddings and shared hugs, tears and encouragement through our illnesses.  Emilie Barnes wrote a book titled "The Spirit of Loveliness."  This describes our dear friend.  Sandy possessed the spirit of loveliness, creativity, femininity, hospitality and godliness.  She delighted in her role as a wife, mother and grandmother.  She also was aware of God's blessings and passed on His blessings to others.  2 Corinthians 1:4 says "He comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction."  Sandy allowed God to use her to help others going through cancer trials amid her own battle.  Such love!  Oswald Chambers said "To serve God is the deliberate love-gift of a nature that has heard the call of God."  Sandy's life was a love gift to those of us who were blessed to have known her.  Sandy ended one of her CaringBridge journal postings "God's much beloved daughter, who is dancing in His presence."  That is never more truer than now.  Enjoy the dance, Sandy!

In His Love,
James & Nancy Castleberry

It's hard to put into words what it's like to lose your best friend.  Sandy was my best friend for almost 30 years, and I feel like I've lost a huge part of myself -- a void that can never be filled.  We shared countless memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I'll miss the many holidays we spent together with our families; hanging out and having a good meal and watching a movie; our marathon cookie baking day at Christmas; doing something "crafty" after stuffing ourselves at Thanksgiving dinner; going shopping; laughing at the silliest things; having girl time with a hot cup of tea; and most of all, the wonderful advice she always gave me.  Her dedication and commitment to Jim and her family was such an inspiration to me.  She was an amazingly strong and determined woman who taught me so much about life, love, humanity and faith, and I admired her more than any person I've ever known.  I love you Sandy, and I always will.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:55 PM, EST
I was blessed to meet Sandy and Jim through my daughter, Jenifer and her husband, Scott.  Jen and Scott united our families through their committment to God in marriage. As I became a friend of Sandy's through the last few years, I discovered a wonderful Christian woman who loved her boys, their families, her husband, her friends, and number one: her Lord. We had many good talks and her creative scrapbooks, gardening, and family gatherings were expressions of her love for life. Her grandchildren were so important to her and she proudly shared stories of their times together. The last time we were together she laughed about Brit climbing on top of Scott trying to reach the ceiling. 

We prayed together that day and she was still so thankful of her life and her family and her cherished dreams for them all. I shared these verses with her that day as we laughed and cried together: 
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge.  
Psalm 62: 5 - 8

Sandy definitely trusted in God throughout this whole ordeal. Her strength through Him was amazing. He was her rock and her refuge. Her hope and prayer was that all who she loved on this earth would come to know our loving God so that she could spend eternity with them.  He was her salvation, her fortress and she was never shaken. 

I am so thankful that she became my friend and I got to know her as my sister in Christ.

Dollie Breshears

I'll always remember Sandy as such a giving person.  She even gave to others during times when many would find it impossible to give.  Yes, Sandy gave of herself in times of great pain and distress.  Most importantly, is what Sandy shared and gave to others - the gift of peace, hope and the presence of God.  Sandy was able to give back even in her own dying.  She showed a courage that spoke of an unseen hope that brought comfort to all who had the great fortune to know her.  Without question, Sandy gave us peace about her own death!  It was as if she was saying good-bye to go on a far away adventure; a good-bye that spoke of a future meeting in a different place and time.  Thank you Sandy for helping us confront our own fears and finding comfort in the midst of so much pain.  Thank you Jim for sharing your, Sandy, with all of us.

Sandy (and Jim) -  
I loved to watch you and Jim together: how after 38 years together, you still would look deeply and with cherish into his eyes; how you held hands like friends but gently nudged and teased one another like husband and wife; how you maintained a sense of "newness" in a very comfortable and lengthy relationship; how you continued to "date" one another duirng the ease and difficulties of life.  It was beautiful, observing and experiencing just a small part of your marriage with you, and you have left me with a priceless gift: a husband who, too, observed and experienced your marriage, and who, too, has learned from you well.  You and Jim's commitment to one another and to your marriage has left an indelible impression on me and Scott, and we can only hope that we pass along this remarkable legacy to our son as well.  You were and are a determined, honest, creative, loving, and witty woman, wife, mother and grandmother, and we will miss your physical presence greatly....(although, we have this very strange feeling that you now have the view into our lives that you always wanted while here on earth!)  :)  
We love you.  
Jenifer

You will not be forgotten.  Your smile, your words of encouragement during difficult times, your love of family and the beautiful person you are will live in our memories forever, dear sister.  

Barb Lucas

Sandy;
I will never forget you.You have been my life for 38 years and I will miss you.
I will miss your smile your laughter and our time we have spent together.One day you told me that you loved holding my hand where ever we were out and the last moments of your life you could still squeeze my hand.One day it will be my turn to go to Heaven and I hope you are the one who takes my hand to walk me in.I will always love you.Sandy you are my Forever Girl.
Your Loving Husband.
James Markley

Time
Time on earth is a special time.

Time to grow,

Time to learn,

Time to love and live.

It's the thoughts and the memories that we have in our heads that make 
the time we had with someone Special.

The little things...the special thoughts you never told anyone.

The little secrets...The looks you would give to each other and just know
what she was thinking.

These are the things we miss most,and the one we should never forget.

But time on this Beautiful Planet is the one thing that we have no control over.

Like a Beautiful Sunset.

Keep the Thought's,Keep the Memories.Remember the good times.

Craig N. Markley

There is no way I can express to everyone what my Mom meant to me. I know she meant many things to many people. My mother lived a wonderful life and she loved the lord. Her faith sustained her and kept her strong during her battle with cancer. She was always positive even during the worst and toughest of times. I will miss her smile and her hugs. My mother was so special. I wish more than anything she was still here. The Lord had a different plan for her life. I have accepted this and will cherish the 35 years of earthly time I had with her. I am so proud that she was my mom. I look forward to seeing her again.

James ( Jaime) Markley

 I took the following quote from her blog dated almost a year ago.  

   O.K. .... go find that husband, wife, child, grandchild, niece, nephew or rotten neighbor kid and give them a big hug and tell them you love them. We are all in this crazy world together just trying to make it through, we all need to know that we are loved and that someone is proud of us. We never get too old for love. God has poured out, pressed down and overflowed my blessings. You are all a part of that!! Know it!!   - from Sandy Markley's blog dated 1/19/10

Dear James,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. 
Sandy was a wonderful person and she will be dearly missed but will always remain in everyones heart with loving memories. 

Marci McConnell

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Karen Hymowitz
Acosta/Tampa

In Memoriam

Sandra Jean Roberts Markley

                     February 28, 1955-December 31, 2010

Sandra was born in Richmond, California, in 1955, the second daughter of Irene and Richard Roberts. When 5 years of age, she and her family moved to Sydney, Australia. She attended the first two years of school there, then returned to California with her family in 1962. After living in the Auburn, California, area, the family moved to Cochabamba, Bolivia, in 1964. Sandy attended school in Cochabamba and became proficient in both Spanish and French. 

Her family move once more back to Southern California in the San Bernardino area in 1966. She finished grammar school and high school in that area. She met James Markley while in high school and in 1973  after graduation they were married. Her two sons, James and Scott, were born in the Fontana, California, area. They later moved to Stone Mountain, GA. to be near her family.

Sandra was a gifted craftsperson and enjoyed home decoration and gardening. She had a very deep and enduring Christian faith  that sustained her through her  later years of illness. She always found a kind word for others and was many times the family arbitrator. She worked for a number of years as a merchandiser until stricken by cancer. She endured a number of surgeries and chemotherapies over the next three years. 

Sandra passed on December 31, 2010, leaving behind her husband of 38 years James Markley; sons James (Julie)in the Houston, Texas, area; and Scott (Jenifer) in Atlanta; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her mother, Irene Roberts, predeceased her in 1991. Her elder sister, Roxanne Marie Ivins, was Sandra's caregiver over the past three years. Her brothers Jeffrey, Russell, and Timothy survive her, as does her father Richard, and her step-mother Roberta.

Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has ful confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life...She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family...She sets about her work vigorously...She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy...She makes coverings for her bed...She is clothed with strength and dignity...She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household...Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her...Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.

OBITUARY

Sandra Jeanne Markley

March 28, 1955 – December 31, 2010

Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Cremation and Memory Gardens

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