Sandra Anne Alley

Sandra Anne Alley, 85, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026. Born in Washington, D.C., on December 11, 1940, Sandra was the daughter of Charles Rives Alley, Jr. and Julia (Garilis) Alley. She grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, where she attended Our Lady of Lourdes School, and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, graduating from North Fulton High School.

Sandra earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Georgia in 1962 and later completed executive management studies through the Executive Leadership Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.

She began her career as a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In 1967, she joined the National Park Service, beginning a distinguished 30-year career in public affairs and rising to Director of Public Affairs for the National Capital Region, her final position before retirement. In that role, she oversaw media relations, special events, tourism initiatives, and permits for demonstrations and filming at many of the nation’s most prominent monuments, memorials, and historic sites. Through her work, she met Pope John Paul II, Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, and many other dignitaries.

Her service earned her the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Meritorious Service Award, the Department’s second-highest honor, along with numerous other awards and commendations for her work in journalism and public service. After retiring from the National Park Service in 1997, she worked as a freelance writer and travel consultant, combining her interests in writing and travel.

Sandra was a member of St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg. Throughout her life, she maintained ties to professional, educational, and heritage organizations, including the National Press Club, the American News Women’s Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was especially proud of her membership in Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Sandra enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, genealogy, playing bridge, and caring for her cats. She treasured her friendships and remained intellectually curious throughout her life. Known affectionately to her family as “Kim” and “Auntie Kim,” she was always ready with a gift for the kids and a spirited “How ’bout them Dawgs!” for her beloved University of Georgia Bulldogs.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou (Alley) Yeager; her nephews, Skip Yeager (Jodi), Stephen Yeager (Kristin), and John Yeager (Jenny); her niece, Julie O’Donnell (Matthew); and eleven great-nephews and great-nieces.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 1:00pm at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, Virginia. A private burial will take place in Fairfax, VA.

In keeping with Sandra’s wishes, memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls in Chicago, Illinois, or to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, in memory of Sandra Anne Alley.