SANDRA SHERARD BETHEA, RIP You loved and adored Sandra Bethea from the moment you met her. She had a sense that led her to give special care to all her friends and family, but the true measure of her love of humanity was the care and friendship for the people who seemed shy or left out. Sandra had a certain spirit that allowed her to find something to like about everyone she met and to extend a heartfelt smile. This gift made her one of the most beloved people wherever she happened to live. You had to get to know her very well before you realized she was an introvert, one who was making a titanic effort to make sure everyone around her was happy. Sandra had a passion for the things she loved. Her family, her friends, Converse College, Hammond School, and the Presbyterian Church. She said that the best decision she ever made was to accept a blind date with a Wofford College SAE. Robert Partridge (Bob) Bethea and Sandra were married on August 12, 1967. She said he was her strength, her guide, and the love of her life. He always made her laugh. It would be hard to determine in their marriage of fifty years who loved whom more. Sandra loving Bob for his dry double entendres or Bob loving her for her laughter. The bond of love and laughter made them best friends. After teaching hard-of- hearing and deaf children in Richmond, Va while Bob attended Dental School, a tour in the US Army, and a job in Boston while Bob completed his residency in Endodontics, they settled in Columbia. Sandra grew up in Atlanta, Bob in Latta, SC. Atlanta was too big, Latta was too small, so Columbia seemed just right. She immediately went to work as his office manager and claimed his success was due to her people skills! Sandra enjoyed volunteering. She served on the Converse College Alumnae Board as its President. She served on the Baptist Hospital Women's Board and other civic organizations in Columbia. She taught Sunday school classes, served as property chairwoman when elected Deacon, and was an Elder at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. She was given an Honorary Life Award by the Presbyterian Women. She participated in foreign mission trips for the church in Brazil. She worked tirelessly to promote Hammond School where her two sons and three of her grandchildren have attended. She and Bob have been blessed with two wonderful sons, Robert Partridge (Rob) Bethea, Jr.(Joy Adams) of Columbia and Hardin Sherard Bethea (Dowell Bryan) of Winter Park, Fla. They enjoyed watching their sons play YMCA soccer, church league basketball and a variety of Hammond School sports. She became the "Queen" of after-game pasta dinners for the various teams over the years. Sandra's greatest pride derived from her five grandchildren: Ridge, Elloise, Sanders, Nora, and Samuel. They are all talented, kind, smart, and ready to share hugs. The grandchildren have given years of love, fun, happiness, joy, and many blessings to their beloved "Dee". Sandra enjoyed immensely time spent with her family and friends. Her greatest regret was that she would not be able to spend more time doting on her grandchildren. In 2010 Sandra and Bob retired to DeBordieu Colony in Georgetown, SC where they made many wonderful friends in the community and at Georgetown Presbyterian Church. Sandra left this world loved and supported by her family and friends on June 6, 2017. She was born in Pensacola, Florida on April 14, 1945 to her loving parents Dr. James Hardin Sherard, Jr. and Dr. Veda Sanders Sherard, now living in Highlands, NC. She is also survived by her husband Bob, her two sisters Laura Gay Sherard and Robin Sherard Ritchie (James) of Atlanta, Ga., her two sons and their wives, and five grandchildren. Our small world is diminished by the loss of her great kindness towards others. She left us with us wanting more. The family gratefully appreciates the many special acts of love offered to us by friends and caregivers during Sandra's illness. May God bless you all. Contributions in memory of Sandra may be given to the Sandra Sherard Bethea Endowed Scholarship at Converse College, 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 558 Black River Road, Georgetown, SC 29440, or to the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at Georgetown Presbyterian Church on Friday, June 9 at 11:00 a.m. The family will welcome visitors in Columbia on Sunday, June 11 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the home of Joy and Rob Bethea, 5241 Lakeshore Drive. A family graveside service will be held at Dothan Cemetery in Dillon County, SC on a later date. Funeral Home: Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home 222 Saint James Street Georgetown, SC US 29440