Sandra Dees

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Ms. Sandra Dees, 65, died Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Yalobusha General Nursing Home in Water Valley, MS. The funeral service will be Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Ryan Dean officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 4:00 at the funeral home. The graveside service will be Friday, March 8, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. in Cedarlawn Cemetery in Philadelphia, MS.

Sandra was born on July 6, 1958, in Jackson, MS to the late George Julian and Elaine Dansby Dees. She attended the University of Mississippi where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Library Science before completing her Masters in Special Education. Her deep love for education and her passion for reading fueled her career as a librarian. She began her career in Bude, MS working as the elementary school librarian before moving to Oxford and working as a longtime librarian and teacher at North MS Regional Center. Outside of work, she was a dedicated and faithful member of College Hill Presbyterian Church. Members and visitors alike could count on seeing Sandra’s smiling face on Sunday mornings, often arriving early to see where she could be helpful. Her servant heart continued outside of Sunday services and into many College Hill Church activities as she was always eager to volunteer her time and efforts to help and serve in any way possible. Alongside her family, Sandra planned her year around their annual trip to the Neshoba County Fair- a place that felt like a second home among the many families and friends she met throughout the years. Although Sandra did not have biological children, she was blessed by her close relationships with her nephews and their wives along with her great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, was preceded in death by a sister, Nana Dees; a brother, Donald Dansby Dees and a nephew, Andrew Dees.

Sandra is survived by her sister, Cherri Dees Mayo and her husband, Bill of Oxford; a brother, Richard George Dees and his wife, Stephanie of Florence, MS; five nephews, Brad Mayo and his wife, Kathleen, Rush Mayo and his wife, Hannah, Dan Dees and his wife, Rebecca, Matt Dees and his wife, Alesha and Jeffrey Dees as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Sandra’s memory may be made to College Hill Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 339 CR 102, Oxford, MS 38655, Friends of North MS Regional Center, 967 Regional Center Drive, Oxford, MS 38655 or The Oxford Animal Resource Center, 413 McElroy Drive, Oxford, MS 38655.