Gladys "Sissy" Sanborn

Ms. Gladys Patricia (Hurley) Sanborn, better known as Sissy Hurley, departed this life on Monday, November 25, 2025, in Newport, with her nieces, Ann and Lee, by her side. She was born August 22, 1933, in Newport, the third daughter of Walter F. "Buck" Hurley and Gladys (Penninger) Hurley.

Sissy was a 1951 Honor graduate of Newport High School, where she was a starting forward of the girls' basketball team and a Greyhound Cheerleader. After graduation, she spent her Freshman year at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri, before transferring to the University of Arkansas. While there, she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and was honored as ROTC Sponsor and Honorary Cadet Colonel.

Sissy was raised in the Christian teachings of the Presbyterian Church and was a stalwart, active participant in the church's programs all her life. Each year, she served on the Christmas decorating committee in charge of the poinsettias. She served as a Deacon and Elder, being honored as Elder Emeritus for her faithful devotion and service to the church.

In 1963, Sissy married Bruce W. Sanborn, Jr., and they lived in Belvedere and then Tiburon, California. The Sanborns were active patrons of the San Francisco Symphony and Bay City Arts. Sissy excelled in tennis, competing successfully in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in Marin County.

In 1982, Sissy returned to her family home in Newport, where she lived for the rest of her life. She maintained an active social schedule, enjoying bridge games and entertaining her close friends and family. A breast cancer survivor, she served as a mentor for women facing similar diagnoses and advocated for early treatment. Sissy was also involved in the Newport/Jackson County chapter of Chi Omega Alumni.

She was gifted with a spirit of joy that was present throughout her entire life. Sissy was loved, respected, and adored by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Betty Ann Hurley Gardner, and her husband, Robert "Bob" Gardner; and her great-niece, Melissa Myers West.

Sissy is survived by her sister, Bobbie Hurley Harper of Hot Springs Village; three nieces, Robin Sibley Terry and husband, Mike of Hot Springs Village, Ann Gardner Hearn and husband, Frank of Newport, and Lee Gardner Elkins and husband, Dennis of Jonesboro; two nephews, Dr. David Sibley and wife, Holly of Birmingham, Alabama, and Walter Gardner of Little Rock; several great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; great-great-great nieces and nephews; as well as a host of loving friends.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Joe Miles, Marvin Hare, Kenny Thaxton, Joe DuPree, John Conner, and Clay Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be Darrell Fortune, Rex Wilmans, Bradley McDonald, Sam Freeman, Jimmy Darling, Tim Watson, Edward Boyce, Harold Erwin, Delbert Colburn, Toby McDonald, Randy Ramsey, Price Holmes, Jimmy Appleton, Jim Reid Holden, Penn Stafford, John Pennington, Jabez Jackson, James Murrey, and the men of the church.

The family would like to extend their most sincere appreciation to her caregivers, Patricia Calamese, Lorice Dinwiddie, Tarsha Alcorn, Mary Marshall, and Doris Grady.

Funeral services are at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Newport, with The Rev. David Reed officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery

Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.