Sandy Smith

Sandra "Sandy" K. Smith (Selvey), age 68, of Panama City, Florida, passed away on December 29, 2025. She was born on September 27, 1957, in Lamar, Missouri.
Sandy grew up on a farm in southwestern Missouri, where she embraced life as a true country girl. She was raised in a loving family alongside her sister, supported by devoted parents and surrounded by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family was always central to Sandy's life, a value she carried into adulthood and instilled in her own family.
She earned an Associate Degree in Business from Hillsdale Bible College and later a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, reflecting her deep love for Scripture and lifelong learning.
Sandy began her professional career in the insurance industry and later worked in the English Department at the University of Oklahoma while living in Oklahoma City. It was there that she reconnected with a young man from her Missouri hometown, Allen Smith, who captured her heart. Sandy and Allen were married in 1978 and began their life together in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Their daughter, Rachel, was born in 1982. After the family moved to Joplin, Missouri, their son Brandon was born in 1983.
Sandy devoted many years to being a stay-at-home mother before returning to the workforce as a medical assistant once her children entered school. In 1993, the family relocated to Parkville, Missouri, where Sandy homeschooled both children through junior high and high school. She later served for 17 years at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, ultimately becoming Director of Academic Development before retiring.
After retirement, Sandy and Allen moved to Florida to enjoy warmer weather and be closer to their grandchildren.
Sandy was deeply active in church life, serving in nursery care, preschool teaching, Vacation Bible School, summer camps, missionary trips, and counseling ministries. Known for her compassionate heart and attentive listening ear, she was affectionately called "Saintly Sandy" by friends and peers. She treasured a life-changing trip to Israel, which became the focus of her bachelor's degree capstone project. In Florida, she volunteered as a counselor at the Panama City Pregnancy Resource Center.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Ray Selvey and Betty June Selvey {Clements).
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Allen W. Smith; daughter Rachel L. Pulliam and son-in-law Kevin Pulliam; son Brandon I. Smith and daughter-in-law Mandy Smith; grandchildren James, Katie, Shawn, Sarah, Maggie, and Ruth; sister Brenda G. Bunch (Selvey) and brother-in-law Stanley K. Bunch; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation for family and close friends will be held at Heritage Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026. A memorial service celebrating Sandy's life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Hiland Park Baptist Church. Family and close friends are invited to remain afterward for a meal provided by friends.
The service will be officiated by Stanley Bunch, with the obituary presented by son-in-law Kevin Pulliam.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Panama City Pregnancy Resource Center, 701 Jenks Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401.