Sandy DeHart Obituary

Sandy Dennis DeHart CAMDEN - Sandy Dennis DeHart, 66, of Camden County, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Mrs. DeHart was born and raised in Hampton. She never could swim a stroke, but that did not stop her from enjoying the surrounding water as she grew up on The Peninsula. As a young girl, she often splashed along the banks of the James River, playing and trapping crabs. As she grew older, she learned to appreciate the scenery surrounding the river, the Chesapeake Bay, and the ocean. She was especially captivated by lighthouses, twinkling harbors, driftwood, seashells, and boats of every kind. In high school, Mrs. DeHart, honed her amazing skills as an artist and illustrator. In college, her talent flourished and she went on to work for NASA as a draftsman. In 1966, she had her first of five children and soon after, she began working from home so she could work and raise a family. As an accomplished illustrator and successful business owner, she had run a sign business out of her home for the last 40 years. Mrs. DeHart is known in the community by many as "Sandy the Sign Lady." She enjoyed helping others, and participated in many community events by donating free signs and art work. Mrs. DeHart's greatest joy in life was her family. Our hearts are heavy with her loss and she will be remembered for the loving mother, generous grandmother, adoring wife and kind sister that she was. Mrs. DeHart was preceded in death by her grandparents, Richard C. Topping and Pearl V. Topping. She is survived by her husband, Gwen DeHart. They were childhood sweethearts who rekindled their loved as adults and married just four and a half years ago. Other survivors include five children: Tod "Bru" Brubaker and wife Shelly of Lexington, Ky., Debbie Cioffi of Newport News, Lisa Tarrants and husband Tom of Camden, N.C., Tricia Phillips and husband Madison of Poplar Branch, N.C., Nicki Mansfield and husband Jay of Aydlett, N.C.; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Walson Funeral Home is taking care of arrangements. She preferred not to have a formal service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on May 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandy DeHart

12 Entries

June 9, 2015

Sandy was an admired friend that was always willing to help. She was close enough that she would consult me when she felt the need. She unselfishly raised her family and provided their needs. She was a pioneer. She was the first female to enroll in industrial arts at Hampton High School,where we were classmates. In her later years she met and married Gwen whom she had known for years. This seemed to fill a void and give her much pleasure.
Yes we miss you Sandy.RIP

65th Birthday

May 19, 2015

Mom,
My heart is still heavy with your loss. Time has done little to lessen the pain but the busyness of life keeps me from dwelling on it. You would be so proud of your family -
the big family you always wanted. We are growing, living, laughing, loving and caring for each other. FAMILY FIRST, ALWAYS! So many times I want to call you up and share something with you funny thing, I already know how you would respond to many of my comments! I hear your laugh, I remember your wisdom and I will never forget your friendship. I miss you terribly but in many ways, you live on.
~With all my love and prayers, a grateful daughter

June 12, 2010

Gwen - sorry to hear about Sandy. I was unable to come due to my stroke. I missed all of the emails Sandy and I shared. I will miss our chats. Please contact me at [email protected]. I will miss her. She was a great help tracing the TOPPING Family. She was a lovely woman and cousin.
FRANCES (& PHIL) PAGE

Jim and Beth Maxwell

May 31, 2010

Gwen and family, We were so sorry to hear of Sandy's death. We've just learned that she was a cousin of our son-in-law's family (Topping). We think often of you and the carving club folks.
Jim ("Max") and Beth Maxwell

Kemberly Sawyer

May 24, 2010

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family amd friends of Sandy. She designed some great work for our company. Our thoughts and prayer are with you all.

Kemberly & Will Sawyer
Eagle Mobile Home Movers, Inc.

Fred Dowis

May 24, 2010

I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. I hope your spirit will be filled with memories of love and good times.

May 23, 2010

Gwen, I am very sorry to hear of your recent loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Bill Green

ANNE WHITSON

May 23, 2010

To all of you, the children of Sandy. Your Mother was a good friend, and as you know a loving Mother. She stuck by all of you. Always remember the good times you shared, the loving,the giving,the laughing, and the hardships as well. She will be missed by many, encluding myself. May you always hold your head high, as your Mother did, and make the best of everything.Make her proud of you.
Love all of you dearly,
Anne W Whitson

James & Doreen Grimm

May 23, 2010

With warmest Sympathy to all of Mrs. DeHarts family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss!!

Mary Stallard

May 23, 2010

Gwen and family,

My deepest sympathy to you. I am so sorry for your loss.

KOS JACKSON

May 22, 2010

SANDY WAS A PERSON WHO DID NOT FOLLOW THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE. SHE ESTABLISHED HER OWN PATH AND HER OWN METHODS AND ACCOMPLISHED MUCH. AS WE LOOK AROUND US, IT MAY BE A SIGN ON THE SIDE OF A PICKUP TRUCK OR MAYBE ON A BILLBOARD. THIS IS WHAT OUR EYES SEE, BUT THERE'S MORE. SHE RAISED THREE GREAT DAUGHTERS AND A SON VIRTUALLY SINGLE-HANDEDLY. ALL OF HER CHILDREN HAVE BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR OWN RIGHT. SHE WAS A TRUE FRIEND TO ME AND MY FAMILY AND WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND ADMIRED AS A TOUGH YET UNSELFISH PERSON.
WE WILL MISS SANDY.

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