Obituary of Sandra Williams Ward

Sandra Williams Ward, of Bedford,  born in Augusta, GA, on April 2, 1962, departed her earthly body on Oct.12, 2023. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, godmother, and friend. 

Sandy is survived by her four children, Colton Ward (Mallory), Cole Ward (Gabriella), Caleb Gilley (Felichia), Morgan Kessler (Jeffrey); ten grandchildren, Gavin, Bentley, Lilly, and Preston Kessler, Chase, Landon, and Bailey Gilley, Paisley and Chloe Ward, and Mason Ward; her parents, Bill and Andrea Williams, and Barry and Janice McCummings; her siblings, Vic Hart, Kathy Keane, Billy Williams, Tony Williams, Jamie Stalcup, and their families; her favorite aunts, Twynkle & Linda as well as many nieces and nephews and her loving friends. 

Sandy always put family first and valued traditions and spending time with her loved ones above all else. Being “Gamie” and “GeeGee” to her grandkids was the most important role in her life. She cherished every second spent with family and friends. Whether it was a day at the beach (her favorite place) or a day lounging around the house, Sandy made it more fun and more memorable. Her one-of-a-kind laugh was infectious, and her storytelling was a gift. Sandy was everyone's armchair therapist and most loyal friend. She would help you to see things from another point of view while always remaining on your side. Sandy was everyone’s biggest fan- she wanted all of the good things in life for her loved ones. She delighted in being included in big memorable events and small day-to-day things too. Game nights, shopping, casino trips, family dinners, wedding planning, yard sales, gardening- Sandy was there and she was all-in. Always anxious to lend a hand and share in the work. She was an exceptional country cook and her love language was food! She made the best sandwiches on Earth, the best vegetable soup, the best stuffed mushrooms- every recipe honed and perfected over years of serving those who she loved.

She had a strong faith and lived her days humbly, sharing unconditional love and compassion, generosity and forgiveness- much like Jesus. Sandy was kind and made everyone feel special, loved, and heard. She called everyone “sweetie” or “honey” because she saw the best in the people around her. She gave second and third chances, and she would welcome people back into her life with open arms. She was sentimental and held onto gifts, cards, and little mementos, even after losing so much in her life to tragic house fires and several moves. But the most important things in life are intangible; Sandy freely shared her knowledge, her tips and tricks to make tasks easier, her favorite recipes and traditions, her advice and her support. Her legacy was simple: to love and be loved. 

No services are planned and arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.