Betty Sandman

Betty Jo Hailey Sandman, 88, left her failing body behind and ascended to be with her Lord on April 1, 2015. Born August 22, 1926 in Donna, Texas, daughter of a Baptist Minister, the late Virgil McKnight Hailey and Lila Lois Griffith Hailey. She was also predeceased by her husband, the Reverend William Sandman, the love of her life, and two brothers, Robert and Lyman Hailey. She is survived by four sons and their spouses, David and Connie Sandman, Paul and Cathy Sandman, Jim and Kim Sandman, and Tom and Flo Sandman; her five grandchildren and their spouses, Jenny and John Boomershine, Matt and Ashley Sandman, Betsy and Mat Forster, Tim and Sara Beth Sandman, and Mike and Chelsey Sandman; her five great-grandchildren, Holden Boomershine (step), Aislynn Sandman, Leah and Luke Forster, Lucas Sandman, and two more due this year.  While raising four sons, she served in the ministry with her husband at Salem Baptist Church in Chesterfield, VA, Saluda Baptist Church in Saluda, VA, Hopesville Ranch for Boys in Dutton, VA, and finally at Colosse Baptist Church near West Point, VA. Betty Jo was also a school teacher in Middlesex County and King William County, Virginia, and was a volunteer with Hands Across Middlesex, and with the Walter Reed Hospital Auxiliary in Gloucester, VA. She remained active in her church at Saluda Baptist, enjoyed the local bridge club, loved playing Scrabble, and traveled to many countries and areas of the U.S., often with her dear sister-in-law, Doris Hailey. She will be remembered as one who loved God, her family, and her neighbor. We thank God for blessing us through her. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the many friends for their support through visits, calls and cards, and to the amazing caregivers at New Century Hospice, Morningside in the West End, and Manor Care of Richmond for their love, support and outstanding care given to Betty Jo and her family, and to Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home for handling the arrangements. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Saluda Baptist Church, 960 General Puller Hwy, Saluda, VA. The service will be conducted by Rev. Jerry Haywood, with food and fellowship immediately afterward in the fellowship hall. Interment will be private at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Saluda Baptist Church, PO Box 452, Saluda, VA 23149, or to the American Cancer Society.