On Tuesday, February 23rd, Sandra Young passed away after a long illness. Sandra was born on October 12, 1946, to the late Ed and Polly Gower. Born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, she earned her Associate’s Degree in Business from Meridian Junior College where she received the Junior Chamber of Commerce Business Education Award. Meridian is also where she met and married the love of her life, George Mott Young III on June 20, 1965.
The couple relocated to Huntsville in 1970, where Sandra devoted her life to raising her three children. Any activity that her children or grandchildren undertook, Sandra jumped in right along with them, using her drive and dedication to serve in leadership positions for many of their extracurriculars. She was a well-known member of many local PTAs in town, receiving an Outstanding Service Award from Challenger Middle School. She was incredibly involved in the competitive swimming community, a huge supporter of the Grissom High School soccer team, and a driving force in the startup of Stage 3 School of Dance.
Sandra was also lovingly devoted to her church community at Hope Presbyterian. In addition to serving as the Office Manager for many years, she was instrumental in the founding of Hope’s Playschool. Her devotion to the Lord could also be seen throughout her home by her large collection of angels on display. She loved to be at the beach and looked forward to visiting the Gulf every single year.
Creating a home filled with love and hospitality was something Sandra strived for. She kept the pantry stocked with snack for neighborhood friends and followed changing styles on home decorating shows. But above all, she made sure that her children and grandchildren felt nurtured and loved whenever they were home. Whether it was her nightly ritual of reading together, or sharing her hobby of cross-stitching, “Nana” was always devoted to her family.
She is survived by her husband, George Young; children, Angie Toles, Ed Young (Gina), and Andy Young; grandchildren, Katie Jackson (Will), Cassidy Toles, Caleb Toles (Sarah), Kyra Toles-White, and Caroline, Hudson, and Ryan Young; her brother, Perry Gower (Patsy); her sister, Kathy Robinson (Tim); several nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Chips.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 28, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 1, at Hope Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the ALS Association, or the American Lung Association.
