Sandra Charlene Stutsy Savely, died at her home in Pontotoc, Mississippi on July 25, 2026 after a three and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer. She fought with the same fierce independence, practice of faith, and headstrong resilience that defined her life. Sandra lived by the tenant that the highest purpose is being present and committed to family and community; in her terms, “when in doubt, show up.” She exemplified this from a young age, working with her family on the commercial farm of her parents, Charles Stutsy and Olean Schwalenburg Stutsy, in Gershorm, Mississippi.
After graduation from South Pontotoc Attendance Center in 1972, she focused her task-oriented, responsibility-driven skills to the practice of nursing, working as an LPN and receiving her Registered Nursing License from Itawamba Community College in 1981. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mississippi University for Women in 1988, already a mother of one and pregnant with another. Her 42-year career as a registered nurse was the foundation for her relationship with her community and the skills she put to use as a frequent medical missionary, medic for numerous youth group and school field trips, caregiver, regular roadside good samaritan, and constant source of advice for family and friends. She was a determined member of First Baptist Church Pontotoc, Pontotoc Woman’s Club, Gideon Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Williams Cemetery Committee, and an avid supporter of the endeavors of her family. Her unfailing generosity of time, resources, and expertise was often accompanied by stern but loving practical direction. For her family, Sandra was a lighthouse in a dark, rocky harbor, persistent and unmovingly reliable as a source of help. She found peace in an always lush and vibrant garden, a well (or poorly) written crime novel, summer tomato sandwiches and cold watermelon, well-manicured hands, a comfortable porch, and travels with her adoring husband of 44 years, Jack Savely. Dignified, capable, and single minded in her aim to be put to her highest and best use, Sandra leaves a legacy of these principles for her daughters Jenny Savely and Maggie Savely (Brian Shelton), her grandchild, Eloise Savely Shelton, siblings Tommy Stutsy (Peggy), Don Stutsy, and Shirley Vernon (Ricky), numerous nieces and nephews, and the very special friends who have walked through life and the journey of cancer with her. She was a force, and will be remembered for the strength with which she met life and the sacrifices she made for those she loved. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, Pontotoc, MS. Visitation will take place Monday, July 27 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Tuesday, July 28 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the funeral service. Private graveside services thereafter. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or MDAnderson.org/Gifts. If you must send flowers, have them be roses.
