Sandra Mashburn

Sandra Fouche Marshburn, more affectionately known as "Mom", finished her race and ascended from this world to eternally dwell in the presence of her Heavenly Father on July 11, 2024 following a 4 year-long courageously fought battle with Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Disease.
She was born at Fort Bragg military base on January 9, 1963. Beginning on this day, the world would shine just a little bit brighter for 61 years. Her birth marked the start of an adventurous life, and one that was lived to the fullest. From raising a son mostly on her own & instilling Godly values in him, to working multiple jobs just to make ends meet and provide for others, she was truly a selfless individual at heart. She knew just how to make you smile when you needed one the most; perhaps she was so gifted in that regard because of her beautifully contagious smile that could radiate amongst even the darkest of rooms with a warm, glowing light.
Sandra graduated from UNCW with her Bachelors of Science degree in 1986. For most of her life, Sandra worked and dedicated her career to her alma mater as the One Card Manager. From the early weekday morning hours until the violet dusk sky appeared, she toiled vigorously to ensure that department was running as efficiently as possible. Perhaps one of the highlights of her vocation were her trips to Alabama where she could not only link with others, but also see her Alabama Crimson Tide play football. They have never had another cheerleader quite like Sandy! Roll Tide!
She is survived by her son, Arthur R. Yankasky II; mother, Ann Armstrong; brother, Danny Fouche, sister, Deanna Harris; nieces Trinity Carroll, Cristan Carroll, and nephew Nathan Carroll. She also leaves many friends and extended family behind including Ed Mitchell, Susan & Bill Hunter, Janet Rauhe, Kevin Holman, Bill & Carol Edwards, and far too many others to mention. She was deeply loved by everyone, and loved everyone deeply.
If there is one mark that Sandy left behind on this earth, it was the importance of a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From kneeling against her bedside every night in prayer, to being as close to the front row as possible at church singing as loudly as she could while raising her hands in worship, the way a child stretches their arms in outreach to their loving Father, she truly exemplified what an authentic relationship & walk with Christ looks like. To know that you are now walking & making footprints along the shores of heaven with the One you dedicated your life to, is a comfort that is beyond immeasurable.
While it feels as though your earthly journey ended far too soon and there are many questions left behind, those emotions are trumped by the trust we have in our Lord and in His sovereignty. Nothing that could ever happen on this temporary plane of existence that we know as earth would ever put His reign in any sort of jeopardy. Forever & ever He reigns. We are not like those who mourn with no hope, but as Christ was resurrected, so we too shall be resurrected with Him. Our earthly bodies that are sown are perishable, but they are raised imperishable (I Thessalonians 4, I Corinthians 15).
What her eyes must have beheld the moment she took her last breath on this earth and took her first while awaking to eternity, there are no words to describe. Reuniting with others who left this world before her and played such an important role in her life, experiencing a new life free of pain and suffering, and to finally realize what it means to live in the presence and fullness of joy. To put it succinctly, "I can only imagine..."
I know that your Nanny White, Nanie Ruby, Papa Chan, Stanley, Allie, Amos & Alice, and countless others that were influential in your life were thrilled to welcome you to the other side.
You were my biggest fan Mom, and I will always love you. We live with the expectation that He will make all things new, just as He has promised. I would've given every last dime & breath in my body just to help ease the pain & discomfort you felt, but our Father accomplished that already through His atoning work on the cross. He simply missed you too much, and decided to call you home to be with Him, forever. I will always reflect on the memories we shared & remember you every single day, until we meet again one day soon...
A celebration of life service will be held at Pine Valley United Methodist Church in Wilmington, NC on Wednesday July 17, 2024 at 6pm.
A special thanks goes out to all the caretakers and physicians that lovingly watched over her for the past 4 years, notably the staff at Lakeshore Commons in Wilmington NC, Carolina Gardens/Spring Oak in Conway SC, Wilmington Health, and New Hanover Neurology. Perhaps most notably, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Dr. Todd Shaver. I've never seen care provided to the breadth & extent that he was able to utilize in providing for my mom. I will always be indebted to he & his family for their acts of love and service towards her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Biblically based church or organization. If you are unsure of one, Pine Valley United Methodist Church (Wilmington NC), St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Wilmington NC), Samaritan's Purse, or Dean Braxton Ministries are excellent options. My mother would want us to continue to be and serve as the hands & feet of Jesus.
Please sign a guestbook at watsonfuneralservices.com.
Watson Funeral Services and Crematory, 2300 Hwy 378, Conway, SC is serving the family.