Mrs. Elizabeth Irene Sandefer Handy, 87, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital of North Mississippi. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev Ronnie Dickinson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow in Old Union Cemetery.
Born on October 26, 1937, in Sumner, MS, to the late Harvey and Eula Winter Sandefer, Elizabeth always knew her calling was in healthcare. Her love for others was apparent as she cared for her patients and their families throughout her career as a registered nurse. Her calling to care of others did not stop after work as she was a dedicated 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a dedicated wife and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Elizabeth and her husband, William had a great love of traveling and seeing the world. Early in their lives, they traveled all across the United States in their RV. Later in life, they found the love of cruising and enjoyed traveling the world on more than 100 cruises.
In addition of her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her brothers, Harvey Lloyd Sandefer, Hubert Sandefer, and Roy Sandefer.
Survivors include her husband of almost 23 years, William Handy; her daughter, Rhonda White (Billy) of Millington, TN; sons, Michael Dane Livingston of Oxford, MS, William Handy, Jr. (Rochelle) of Tarzana, CA, George Handy (Susan) of Arlington, TX and John Handy (Marie) of Austin, TX; brother, James Harold Sandefer (Annette) of Oxford, MS; 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to St. Jude: stjude.org/give or the Shiner’s Hospital for Children: donate.lovetotherescue.org.
