Sandra Gallops Neighbors, 75, died on December 3, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 13, 1948, the daughter of Mary Catherine and Horton Gallops, and lived in the Hanover community of Coosa County. She was a beloved wife, mother, Nanny, sister, aunt, and friend.
She’ll be missed terribly by her two children, Phillip (Lynsey), of Wetumpka and Heather Thompson (Matt), of Birmingham. She poured so much love and kindness into them, it will carry on forever. She filled their lives with memories of summer days spent at Hatchet Creek, magical Christmases, and treasured family vacations. She took great pride and delight in their good. She was a remarkable mother.
She was adored by her grandchildren, John and Langley, and was always up for any adventure they could dream up. Some of her favorite days were spent with the grandkids, spending fun-filled days at “Nanny camp”— always willing to really PLAY with them. She taught them to play marbles, cooked with them, made silly videos, filling their time together with JOY. She loved them so dearly, choosing to spend her final months living with them, so that she could hear about their days at school and watch them grow up. She was also Nanny to the Davidson boys, teaching them all how to play a mean game of Rook and spoiling them with their favorite treats when they came to visit.
She worked for the Coosa County Highway Department for 20 years, and prior to that, Hanover Equipment, where she made friends that lasted a lifetime.
She was a member of Andrew’s Chapel Methodist Church, where she was an active member for many years, leading youth groups and singing in the choir.
Her love for her family and community were evident in all she did. She radiated joy from an inner light and strength that was unmatched. She made every person she met feel cherished and known.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and her dear husband, George, and her brother, Robert. She is mourned by her sister Catherine Shockley.
A visitation will be held at Curtis and Son Funeral Home on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm. A service to celebrate her life will be held at Andrew’s Chapel Methodist Church in Hanover at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9th. Memorial donations can be made to:
Andrew’s Chapel Methodist Church
c/o Beverly Bass
2310 Coaling Road
Sylacauga, AL 35151
Or
Sears Chapel Cemetery Trust Fund
c/o Karen McEwen
4235 Jackson Trace Road
Titus, AL 36080
Curtis and Son Funeral Home North Chapel will direct the service.
