Evangelist Sandra Elaine Smith, beloved wife to Pastor Junius “Leon” Smith was called home by the Almighty God of Heaven to everlasting rest and peace suddenly on August 17, 2024.
Sandra was born to the late Harry Evans and Silver Lee Glenn Evans on January 10, 1963, in Amelia, Virginia. Sandra attended Manassas Hill Baptist Church, Amelia, Virginia and accepted Christ at an early age. As a child, Sandra attended Amelia County Public Schools and a private school in Buffalo, New York and graduated from Lawton High School in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1981. She was joined in holy matrimony to her “sweetness” Junius “Leon” Smith on May 21, 1982. From that union they have 2 children, daughter Cherise Monique Smith and son Junius Leon Smith Jr. (Junior).
She graduated from Tabernacle Baptist Church Seminary under Dr. Norwood G. Carson, Dean of Academics, in November 2006, where she obtained a certificate of religious studies. She founded New Life Christian Outreach Ministries in 2008 alongside her husband, Pastor Junius L. Smith. Together they visited the sick and shut-in and provided communion and emotional and religious support to community members that were unable to attend church. She was licensed and ordained at Flower Hill Baptist Church, Amelia, Virginia in 2012, where she was First Lady and Assistant Pastor. Upon departure of Flower Hill Baptist Church, Sandra and her husband joined Rocky Branch Baptist Church, Sutherland, Virginia, as Associate Pastors under Pastor Dr. Lynn G. Robinson where they currently attend. Sandra and her husband also created a mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya in 2012 where they preached God’s word. Sandra also attended John Tyler Community (Brightpoint) and graduated in 2016 with a degree in nursing home administration.
Sandra worked at Napa Auto Parts Distribution Center for 15 years, Wachovia for 5 years, Amazon Distribution Center for 5 years and finally at the Amelia, VA location of the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier for the past 4 years. Sandra had delivered mail and packages to every mailbox in Amelia County and quickly became a familiar, comforting face. She was known for her bright personality, big smile, willingness to help anyone she encountered, godly personality and just an overall amazing person. Sandra prayed for everyone she encountered and kept a box full of bibles in her trunk in case someone needed one. She was not shy about her thoughts. Sometimes a little too vocal, but that’s what made her special. You never had to question what she was thinking. More than anything Sandra loved jewelry. She decided to become a Paparazzi consultant and sell $5 costume jewelry sets. She loved making people look even more beautiful with her “BLING.” Sandra set up a vending station at “Amelia Day Celebration” every year and traveled all over to surrounding counties to events where she could showcase her jewelry. Sandra also frequently made Facebook Live videos from her “Bling Shop” where she sold to customers and friends all over the US and preached the word while selling beautiful jewelry.
Sandra also known as “Boo-Boo” and “Nana” to her grandboys, leaves to cherish her memories, a loving and devoted husband of 44 years, Leon; a loving daughter, Cherise Smith (Kelly) (Amelia, VA); devoted son, Junior Smith (Ashburn, VA); three handsome grandsons, Army Sergeant Isaiah Jackson, Elijah Coles, and Micah Smith; 2 sisters Kathleen Walker (Chesterfield, VA) and Brenda Creighton, (Petersburg, VA); 2 brothers: James Evans (Richmond, VA) and Harry (Bo) Evans (Germany): 6 sisters-in-law: Brenda Smith , Marie Evans, Cathy Smith, Cindy, Annie Mae Smith, and Kimberly Smith; 3 brothers-in-law: Michael Creighton, Ronald Smith, John Epps, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends, “Man’s Best Friend”, her 7-year old Beagle-mix “Brandy aka “Fat Mama” and her 16 cats. She loved cats even though she was allergic but loved Brandy even more. Sandra is preceded in death by 3 brothers-in-law: Malcolm Smith, Curtis Smith and Percy Walker.
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Previous Events
Visitation
24
Aug
15001 Patrick Henry Hwy
Amelia, VA 23002
Per the family, mask are encouraged.
Service
25
Aug
8500 Otterburn Road
Amelia Courthouse , VA 23002
Per the family, mask are encouraged. The service will be livestreamed through our Facebook page: Hawkes Funeral Homes
Cemetery Details
Location
10300 Pridesville Road
Amelia, VA 23002
