Sandra Foster Stephens

Sandra Stephens, 85, of Thaxton, VA passed away the morning of February 12th. She spent her final days in the company of her loved ones.

Born Sandra Jean Foster on May 24, 1940, she was the daughter of William Francis Foster and Susie West (Garrett) Foster. Sandra grew up in Bedford and spent her early adult life there. She later moved to Roanoke and then spent the final 40+ years of her life residing on Taylor's Mountain in Thaxton.

Sandra spent many years working for Kroger and for Kessler Refrigeration. In her retirement at age 70, she discovered both a love and a talent for pottery. She made many beautiful pieces and sold some of her work locally. She described working with clay as one of the greatest joys of her life. In addition to making pottery, Sandra loved reading poetry and mystery novels and learning about history, geography, religion, and philosophy.

Sandra loved nature and had a deep respect for God and all of His creation. Dubbed the "Snow White" of the mountain by her family, Sandra spent much of her time caring for both domestic and wild animals, alike. Both people and animals gravitated to her and benefited from her nurturing instincts. More than once, a doe would bring her fawn by Sandra's house to introduce them to one another. Over the years, Sandra could sometimes count up to 25 hummingbirds enjoying her feeders at once, before making their southward journey. She even had a way of reasoning with bears and encouraging them to "move along" when they came too close to her house. Though she lived quite remotely, Sandra also had a beautiful knack for collecting a diverse group of friends; and, she celebrated each of them and their unique gifts.

Sandra was the heart of her family, and family was incredibly important to her. Her son, David Key, was the light of her life, and her granddaughter, Kelly (Key) Hemler, was like a daughter to her. The three of them lived many of their years as a tripod - each leg supporting the other and finding steadiness together. Sandra, David, and Kelly were fortunate to enjoy travels to Ireland, Italy, and the U.K.; but, their favorite memories are the ones they shared together at Sandra's home on Taylor's mountain.

Sandra is survived by David and Kelly (Jon), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Richard "Dick" Stephens; her parents, Francis and Susie; her brothers, William "Billy," Richard, and Thomas "Tommy"; and, her daughter-in-law, Mary Gilmartin Key.

Sandra will be remembered for her remarkable strength and resilience, her care for creation, her desire to make every day count, and her deep love and devotion towards her cherished family and friends.

A memorial service will be held for Sandra at Updike Funeral Home in Bedford, VA at a later date to be announced