Sandra L Taylor

 Sandra "Sandy" Lynn Taylor of Holly Ridge, NC passed away at the age of 76 on January 19, 2025 at Carolina Rivers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, NC with family at her bedside. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Mozelle Morrison, mother, Lottie Dell Riddle Shaw, and sister Mandy Shaw Forte. 

Sandy lived in Fayetteville, NC and graduated from Pine Forest High School. During her early adulthood, she worked in restaurant management and as a teacher assistant with Cumberland County Schools. Eventually she moved to Surf City, NC and continued to work in the food service industry culminating with her dedication to managing the Crab Pot, a Surf City landmark restaurant and pub. She had a heart for animals and rescued many cats over the years upon which she bestowed interesting names. Precious, Butter and Grady were her most recent beloved felines and she talked about them often even after she entered long term care. Sandy was an accomplished cook and taught her younger sisters how to prepare many dishes. She baked delicious cakes and chocolate confections and was known for her special brownie recipe. There were years that Sandy hosted Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas festivities for friends in the community that would otherwise be alone during the holidays. She truly loved reaching out to the lonely or those in need. One of her favorite pastimes was knitting. Over the years, numerous afghans and Christmas ornaments were made for her family and friends. A natural artisan, Sandy created beautiful floral designs on canvas using mediums of acrylic and watercolors. She used vibrant colors in most of her paintings as she was inspired by Ivey Hayes, a local artist known for his use of bright hues. Her decoupage vases and decanters were gifted to family members over the years and are treasured. Sandy loved the original beach music tunes that were rooted in Motown and early rock and roll. She won contests for "shagging", the dance that originated in the Carolinas in the 30's and 40's. Her kindness to others, love for animals and her sense of humor will be greatly missed by those she leaves behind. 

Sandy is survived by her son, Doug Skipper and his wife, Cindi of Hampstead, NC. She is also survived by her siblings, Tommy Shaw (Colleen) of Fayetteville, NC, Julie Shaw of Stedman, NC, and Becky Watts (Ricky) of Parkton, NC. In addition, Sandy is survived by her nephew and nieces, Jonathan Odom (Krystle), Sally Shaw (Mark), and Ally Watts along with many loving family members and friends. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at McNeill Legacy Funeral Home of St. Pauls with a graveside service following at 3:30 at Bladen Union Baptist church, with Reverend Robbie Byrd officiating. The family is being served by McNeill Legacy Funeral Home.