Sandra Lynne Skeenes, 77, died at her home in Alum Creek on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Born October 16, 1941, Charleston, W.Va., she spent her entire life promoting music excellence in many communities in Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Maryland and West Virginia, including teaching voice, piano and instruments to numerous youth and adults. She served in many churches, finishing her service at Forks of Coal Missionary Baptist Church, Alum Creek, where she served as music director and accompanist. She graduated from Charleston High School, Carson-Newman University and Florida State University, and studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. Allen Skeenes and Lenora Miller Skeenes. Survived by siblings Jerry Skeenes (Kathern), Alum Creek; Edward Skeenes (Sharon), Maryville, Tenn.; Barry Skeenes, Charleston; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The Funeral will be 2:00 PM Saturday, March 23, at the Forks of Coal Missionary Baptist Church, corner of Coal River Rd. and Route 214, with Pastor Keith George officiating. Visitors will be received from 12-2 PM at the Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Forks of Coal Baptist Church Music and Audio/Visual Department, P.O. Box 506, Alum Creek, WV 25003.
I remembered Sandra as a neighbor when she and her folks lived on Oakwood Road at the foot of Ellison Road where I lived. We would play in the area right behind their home, a Parsonage I believe. Hadn’t heard of or seen her since, but remembered her and he parents. Was pleased to see the wonderful person she grew up to be. Nice testimonies to her life.
I was Ms Skeenes’ student at Carson-Newman. I have such fond memories of her. She prepared me for the first death in my family in 1975 as I was on my way to my grandfather’s funeral. I often recall that thoughtful act. She was a thoughtful, deep, lovely person. We had a blast in choir; she was a fabulous director–many laughs, smiles, great concerts. She is one of my favorite people from Carson-Newman College.
To you my dear Ms. Skeenes . . .
May the angels bear your soul to paradise.
May the ranks of saints and martyrs come to greet you.
May they lead you through the gates of the New Jerusalem!
And may you see Lazarus who is poor no more.
Sandra was a very kind and talented lady who will be missed by myself and other Gorby’s staff.
Ken
Many condolences and prayers are being sent to the Skeenes family during this difficult time. It is such a comfort knowing I have fond memories of such a wonderful, warm soul, to treasure for a lifetime. Piano lessons were always so fun and calming with her as an educator. Her intelligence and kindness will be truly missed.
Praying for comfort for all. Sandy was a remarkable lady and we were all blessed to have her in our lives.
Dear Ed,
Rod and I, are so sorry, for the loss, of your sister.
You have our prayers.
Respectfully,
Rod and Pat Hill
Prayers for comfort to the Skeenes family.
I am so sorry to hear about Sandi. I hope the family is doing okay through this difficult time of loss. Love and prayers to all. Cindy
Dear Jerry, Edward, Allan and families: I was so sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing. I always considered you all as the “young people.” Most of my old friends have passed on and now the young people!! Of the ones I remember, first to go was Judy Munday, then Jim Hawks, Paul Fulks, and now Sandra.
You boys are fortunate to have each other. I am sure you have good memories of your big sister, Sandra.
With sincere sympathy, love and prayers,
Margy Fields
Thoughts and prayers are with the Skeenes family during this time of loss. May the peace and presence of the Lord be with you and may the support of loved ones and friends give you strength.
Sorry about Sandi’s passing. Praying for comfort for family and friends.
So sorry to hear about Sandi’s passing, but we as Christians rejoice that she is home with Christ! Sandi was very good friend to me for a number of years in Maryland, and I sang in the church choir she directed. I pray that God will comfort you all in this time.