Sandra Hayes Holley

On Friday, June 17, 2022, Sandra Hayes Holley passed away peacefully at the age of 87 years. She was born on August 14, 1934, in Gladewater, Texas, to William and Orrye (Bickham) Hayes. She was happily married to her husband, Ralph Nicholas Holley, until his death in 2008. Sandra was a loving mother to her children, Suzy Holley, Samuel Holley and Donald Holley.

Sandra was immersed in a Christian community that was her support system from an early age. In 1952, she graduated from Longview High School and then attended Texas Christian University. She was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for the majority of her adult life where she served on many ministry teams. She worked at the University of Texas Health Science Center for over 20 years, most recently in Tyler, Texas. Sandra will be lovingly remembered for her time volunteering in the Kilgore community at the East Texas Oil Museum, her time in the Kilgore Women’s Club and spending time with her family.

A lifelong Texan and a devoted community member, Sandra made a lasting impact on the countless lives of those she encountered. Her family grieves her loss but rejoices in the comfort that she is reunited with her beloved, Nick.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother-in-law, Don Holley, and son-in-law, Jeff Swanagan.

Sandra is survived by her children, Suzy Holley, Sam Holley, Donnie and Debi Holley, Belynda and Dee Zimmerman, Guy and Mary Conte. Her grandchildren, Holley and Brent Nordman, Nick Holley, Sami and Ned Nelson, Andy Holley, Jonathan Holley and Gabi Holley. Her great grandchildren, Brody Nordman, Tyler Nordman and Ellie Grace Nelson. Her sister-in-law, Pat Holley and her nephews, Nick Holley and Joe Don Holley.

The family will accept friends and family from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, July 15th at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore with the Rev. Darwood Galaway officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Special Olympics or charity of your choice.