Sandra Jean Norwood

Sandra Jean Arnett Norwood, 78, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Sandra was born on March 29, 1947, in Avery County, to late Margaret and James Townsend.

In addition to her parents, Sandra is preceded in death by her brothers, Clayton Arnett and Jack Arnett; and baby sister, Karen Townsend.

Those left to cherish Sandra’s memory are her sons, Tommy Norwood, Jeff Norwood (Belinda Walker), daughter, Sharon Sanders (Luther Penley) plus two bonus sons, Darren Eller and Junior Hicks; seven grandchildren plus three bonus grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren with one great grandchild on the way, brothers, Gordon Townsend (Kathy), Dwayne Townsend (Janice); sisters, Betty Mahaffey (Doug), Faye Shepherd, and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Sandra loved her Seventh Day Adventist Church family. She enjoyed being in her swimming pool even though she never learned to swim. It brought her great joy to watch all of her grandkids along with great grandkids learn to swim in her back yard. She was a very hard-working woman with strong values which she instilled in each of her children.

Sandra being the strong woman she was, she raised three children herself, no matter what it took, she made it happen. She loved her family and friends so much, she would go out of her way to make sure they were seen and ok. Even when Sandra was sick, she would go visit others who were in need.

In closing, this is not a goodbye, it is a “see you later” because she was loved beyond measure by her children and family.

A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Lenoir Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Eric Hagan officiating.

The family will receive friends an hour prior on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lenoir Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Sandra Jean Arnett Norwood.