Sandra Deaton Matthews

Sandra Deaton Matthews, age 86, of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service and burial will take place immediately afterward at Gallman Cemetery.

Born on May 5, 1939, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, to the late Oliver Young and Edna Scott Young, Sandra was a vibrant force whose talents and warmth touched many lives.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Herbert Deaton and Bobby Joe Matthews; sister, Barbara Sojourner; daughter, Ann Deaton Box; and two Great-Grandchildren.

Sandra is survived by her sons, Don Deaton and Scott Deaton (Jennifer); granddaughters, Laura Stewart (and family) and Brooke Medders (and family); grandson, Nathan Deaton; two great-grandchildren; and 2 nieces Karen and Susan who were more like daughters.

A standout at Crystal Springs High School, Sandra was crowned Homecoming Queen and served as Drum Major for the band. She went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, where she majored in Art and was a very active member of the Kappa Delta sorority.

After college, Sandra pursued a successful career in the arts, working in Jackson and later in Hazlehurst with the Bank of Hazlehurst and the Copiah County Courier. She married Herbert Deaton, and together they raised their family in Hazlehurst.

Deeply involved in her community, Sandra was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, where she was frequently a soloist in the choir. She was a gifted singer, artist, photographer, business owner, and entrepreneur. Her life was full of "mostly controlled" chaos and she thrived in it.

Known for her genuine Southern charm, Sandra never met a stranger and could engage anyone in heartfelt conversation for hours. Her photography career was so prolific, there was a pretty good stretch of time where if you were born, engaged, married, or had a reunion in Copiah County, Mrs. Sandra took the pictures.

Sandra's artwork earned numerous awards and widespread admiration throughout the community. Most recently, her piece was selected for the January feature in the Mississippi Health Care Association's 2026 *Art from the Heart* calendar. Her home overflowed with sketchbooks chronicling her creativity from teenage years onward; she even designed the plans for her custom-built house. Her evocative collages of Hazlehurst, Crystal Springs, and other local landmarks adorn many homes across Mississippi.

An avid animal lover, Sandra frequently painted tender portraits of friends' pets, perfectly capturing their spirit and personality. Her beloved Basset Hound, "Boomer," inspired a delightful series of children's books she authored.

Sandra lived a rich, full life filled with passion, creativity, and connection. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. While her many talents were a treasure to all who knew her, it is her eternal soul, now resting with her Savior that is most treasured.

We recommend calling our local florist directly when ordering flowers:

Wright's Florist 601-892-2891

Clear Creek Flowers 601-892-0070

Five 54 Floral 601-894-5524