Sandra Lee Carpenter

On Wednesday, September 2, 1953, God reminded the world, it was He who breathed Life, Love, and His likeness into Sandra Lee Carpenter, the first child of Rev. Dr. Samuel Julius and Donna Lee Carpenter as they resided in Tacoma, Washington. "Sandee" as she was affectionally called was the "Big" Sister to her siblings: Jan, Martha, Helyn, and Jack and took that responsibility to heart.
She led with a stern warning and lots of love. She was reared and grew up as the daughter of a Baptist Minister and was strong in her Christian faith and walk in life. She was nurtured to become a servant leader prior to the title becoming a mantra.
Sandee was baptized at an early age by her Father at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Paola, Kansas. During her early years and throughout adulthood, she was a very active member of First Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. E.A. Freeman. It was through the church that she met and married Marvin L. Dozier and to this union Christopher Anthony Dozier was born. The marriage was later dissolved.
She grew in her walk and talk with the Lord as she was reminded by her Grandmother Lee, "You will understand it better by and by." She was involved with all aspects of the Christian experience serving in various youth initiatives and serving in various church auxiliaries from young adult to adulthood.
Sandee who had a desire to worship closer to home, eventually joined the Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church and continued on her Christian journey by serving and chairing several committees including Women's Day, Pastor and First Lady Anniversary Celebration and Christmas Plays to name a few.
" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Sandee was guided by her parents who held a steadfast belief that education would be the key to her success. She was educated and a product of the Kansas City Public School District graduating from Southeast High School in 1971. She went on to earn and receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education – emphasis in Speech, Drama, and English at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Upon graduation, she embraced her career and experiences in the Kansas City, Missouri School District, Center School District, and the Hickman Mills School District. She became a trained Educator in the field of Speech, Theatre and English. She loved teaching and truly found it to be her calling.
As an Educator she believed in nurturing and embracing each student she had the opportunity to interact with in a very caring manner. Her students came FIRST because she knew that many of them needed the skills and guidance to succeed and go on to become outstanding and contributing members to their family, communities, and the world. Her door was always open to them, and they knew they could talk to Ms. Carpenter about anything, and they would get from her wisdom, encouragement, good advice, and a hug when needed. Along life's journey she would come to realize the impact created when her former students would see her and share with her the effect she had on their lives. A lifelong Educator, she had an endearing spirit when it came to her students, and she maintained a special bond with many of them throughout the years. Priceless! She continued to enhance her skills by earning a Masters of Arts in Education Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and an Educational Specialist degree in Secondary Administration at the University of Missouri, After serving as a classroom Teacher for twelve years, she had the honor as her first administrative opportunity to serve as an Assistant Principal over Instruction at the Paul Robeson Classical Studies Middle Magnet School. She served in the roles of Instructional Coach, Vice-Principal and Principal.
"To whom much is given, much is required."
Luke 12:48
She has served her community as a member of the Advisory Board of the Eastside Parents as Teachers Program, Advisory Board member of the Missouri Youth Initiative with the University of Missouri, a member of Pi Lambda Theta National Fraternity, Kansas City Administrators Association, Missouri, and National Middle School Associations. and a Life Member of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® - Mu Omega Chapter. Her "works" were all in an effort to increase awareness and make a difference in the community she loved. Her operative word that has guided her throughout her life is "Integrity" and it has served her well.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:45
The Joy of her life has been without a doubt her son Christopher. She would sometimes wonder how she ever existed without him. Sandee loved to travel and had a perfect "traveling partner" in her son Christopher. She loved to dine out and of course Christopher was an eager participant and has now acquired a gourmet palate. She made sure that he was given lots of opportunities to soar, be it singing, acting, sports, etc. She was very supportive and of course as an Educator, there were continuous "Teaching Moment" throughout her life with him. He was and continues to be the "LOVE" of her life.
Sandra Lee Carpenter walked with God as a faithful, loving, and compassionate servant leader. God revealed the beauty of His face to Sandee on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 when her earthly journey ended, and her NEW life began! Sandee was preceded in death by her Parents, Grandparents, and beloved Uncle Bobby.
She leaves to cherish her life a loving and devoted son, Christopher Anthony Dozier, Siblings: Jan M. Carpenter Baker, Martha A. Carpenter, Helyn E. McGautha and James (Jack) Carpenter, Nieces: Jasmine and LaShan, Great Nieces :Heaven (Brian) and Nevaeh, Nephews: Robert, Ronnell (Natasha), John, Derwin, Julius, Renard, Great-Nephews: Jonam, DeMarion, Jayden, Elijah, Gavin and Grant, Great-Great Nephews: DaMonte' and Izayah, Loving Cousins, Sister-in-Law Miriam Dozier, Caring Church Family, Remarkable Education/Administrator Colleagues, Beloved Sorority Sisters, Unforgettable/Amazing Students and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 14, at 11:00am at the Mount Christian Worship Center. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation 9:00am-11:00am, with AKA Ivy Beyond The Wall Ceremony at 10:00am. Arrangements entrusted to Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolence may be shared on our website. Services will be livestreamed https://www.facebook.com/share/18XVjxCHZW/