Sandra Bailey

Sandra Estelle Adams, 85, was born in Amarillo, Texas, on February 2, 1941, to Edna Ione Bassett and France Marion Adams, Jr. She passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, in Hoover, Alabama.

Sandra was a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and woman of faith. She loved the Lord and was an active part of her church community, where she enjoyed Bible studies and volunteering. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she especially wanted her children and grandchildren to know the Lord and develop a strong faith of their own.

Sandra was intelligent, hardworking, and independent. She was an accomplished seamstress who made clothes for her children, as well as curtains and pillows for her home. She was also a wonderful cook and took great pride in her kitchen and cooking. At the age of 40, Sandra returned to school and earned her accounting degree from the University of South Alabama, graduating with honors and a 4.0 GPA—a testament to her determination and love of learning.

Sandra's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She cherished her time with Kristen, Max, James, Emma, and Anna Kate and loved creating special memories with them. From baking cookies for Santa and letting the girls sleep in her bed during sleepovers, to eating “Nona bread” together in the mornings, scooting around the neighborhood until dark, watching movies, and enjoying more than one bowl of ice cream, she filled their childhoods with love and treasured traditions.

She especially enjoyed keeping Max when he was a baby while his mother was at work. She was incredibly proud of Max and James and adored all five of her grandchildren. Above all, she wanted them to know how deeply they were loved and to carry their faith with them throughout their lives.

Sandra's friends will remember her as sweet, kind, and caring—a person who was always willing to be there when someone was lonely or needed a friend.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edna Ione Bassett and France Marion Adams, Jr.; her husband, Joe Lynn Bailey; and her daughter, Laura Bailey Garri.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Bailey and Katherine Bailey Sheffield (Bryan); her grandchildren, Kristen Bailey (Chris Gardner), Max Preisendorf, James Sheffield, Emma Sheffield, and Anna Kate Sheffield; and many friends and loved ones who will miss her dearly.

Sandra leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, love, and cherished memories that will live on through her family, especially her grandchildren.--

Katy Sheffield