Sandra Huskins

1949 - 2025

With deep sadness, we share that our mother, Sandra Jean " Sandy" Phillips Huskins, affectionately known to her grandchildren as "Grammy", passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025.

Born in Durham, North Carolina, on August 28, 1949, to John Ives Fagan Phillips and Barbara Sparrow Phillips. Sandy grew up as a proud "military brat," moving often before her family finally settled back in Durham. This experience certainly cultivated her remarkable ability to connect with people wherever she went.

In her senior year, her family finally settled back in Durham, where she would form lifelong friendships, and eventually become the proud mother of twins, Jeannie and Lee.

Sandy dedicated more than 25 years to Duke University Medical Center, where she served in leadership roles in the Eye Center, Radiation Oncology, and the Medical Private Diagnostic Clinic and Pediatrics. Her professionalism, warmth, and organizational talent left a lasting impression on colleagues and family alike--and inspired both of her children to begin their own careers at Duke.

Sandy was active in her community throughout her life and served as the Hope Valley PTA President, and a member of the Executive Boards for the Durham Chamber of Commerce and Big Brother/Big Sister Programs for NC. She also volunteered with the Duke Children's Miracle Network. She later would run her own business, Creative Conference Planners, and enjoyed connecting with others through retail and independent sales consulting work.

After her retirement from Duke, she relocated to help provide support to family in various capacities. This allowed her to share her gifts nationwide as she brought her talents, expertise and compassion to other people and organizations including: Vanderbilt University's Psychology Department, athenahealth (medical software formerly known as Groupcast), Lovelace Medical Group, Oregon Ballet Theater and Stericycle.

Her gift for connection extended far beyond her professional life. Mom's love language was feeding people and this is how she endeared herself to so many. A Southern cook, Sandy expressed her love and care through her food. Though she was known for her strong opinions and high expectations, everything she did came from a place of love and her deep desire to stay connected to family and friends. Her kitchen was open to anyone and a gathering place filled with laughter and her signature mix of advice and storytelling. She often would be whipping up a dip or dessert while dishing out her guidance and telling her famous stories (with just a touch of embellishments). Her entertaining personality endeared her to all.

Sandy is survived by her children, Lee Huskins (Ronela) of California, and Jeannie Hoffman (Greg) of Texas; her grandchildren, Jordan Huskins, Andrew Hoffman (fiancée Reagan Alexander), and Erica Harris (Walker); her Best Friend, Susan Dunnagan; her ex-husband, Harold Huskins; and many extended family and friends in North Carolina, Texas and beyond.

Becoming "Grammy" to Erica, Andrew and Jordan was one of her greatest joys. She delighted in spoiling them, cheering their accomplishments and filling their visits with love - - and plenty of treats. She was extremely proud of the adults they have all become.

She also had a lifelong love for animals, especially cats and dogs she rescued. Like her family and friends, her pets were loved, spoiled, and well fed.

In her later years, Sandy found community at the Flower Mound Senior Center and First United Methodist Church of Coppell Even after her injury in 2023, her personality, wit and warmth continued to shine at Teresa's House in Argyle, Texas, where she became a beloved resident and cherished friend-as she continued to advocate for others, sharing her opinions about programming, food or life, and brightening each day with conversation until her final days.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15th, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Coppell, 420 S. Heartz Road, Coppell, Texas. Additional private family services will be held at later dates in West Texas and North Carolina.

As a tribute to Sandy's life and legacy, we invite you to share your memories and stories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following organizations close to her heart:

SPCA.

Big Brother/Big Sister Program of NC.

Duke Children's Miracle Network.

First United Methodist Church of Coppell.

Sandy's legacy is one of strength, connection, and love. Her determination, compassion, and perseverance shaped the lives of those who knew her, and her influence will continue to guide her family/friends for years to come. She was truly a force of nature--we loved her deeply and she will be incredibly missed.