CONWAY, NC – With her loving family by her side, Sandra Perkinson Vann, 74, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie, NC.

Sandra was born on September 20, 1942, the child of the late Stanley Perkinson and Worda Perkinson Parker, in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, C. Kelly Vann; sons, Albert David Vann (wife Renee) of Conway and Timothy Lewis Vann (wife Anne) of Durham; granddaughters, Melinda, Elizabeth, Brooke, Kelly and Ashley Vann; great grandchildren, Zoie and Drake Creech; step-grandchildren Allen (wife Mindy), Lucas, and Sydney Taylor; and close cousins, Billy and Eunice Vick of Courtland,

VA. Sandra graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1960. After graduation, she attended Baptist Hospital Nursing School in Winston-Salem where she received her RN certification in 1963.  She returned to Ahoskie and worked as a nurse at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. While working at the hospital, she cared for and later married her soulmate, Kelly. She worked as a full-time nurse until the birth of their first child in 1966.

Though she was no longer employed as a nurse, Sandra continued to use her nursing skills to support her community up until her death by providing first aid, medical advice and her loving care. As a breast cancer survivor, Sandra also volunteered with Reach for Recovery, a support program for breast cancer patients. Sandra also used her nursing skills to care for her mother at home and at Pine Forest Rest Home until her mother’s death in 1980. While caring for her mother at Pine Forest, Sandra fell in love with Pine Forest and served on the board as chair and vice-chair for over 35 years.

Sandra’s first love was her family. She supported her husband as a homemaker and business partner for over 52 years.  She was involved with the daily activities of running of the family farm and was especially involved with the accounting for the family business. As a mother and grandmother, she was always there to support their endeavors, especially in school. She was a constant presence in the classroom and other school activities, providing support to teachers and students alike.

Sandra loved her church like her family and dedicated much of her time to Conway Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School for the 4 & 5 year olds for 41 years. She also served on the Board of Deacons and Trustees at the church, including as chairperson several times. During one of her terms as chairperson of the Trustees, Sandra was instrumental in the design and construction of a new social hall that is still in use today. She was also a member of the sanctuary choir and was a charter member of the Friendly Group. She was very involved in the WMU and served as the Director of the Conway WMU as well as the Director of West Chowan Baptist Association WMU.

The wife of a farmer, Sandra was involved with the local, state and national farming community. She served on the NCFB Women’s committee for over 20 years, including being the Northampton County chairperson. One of her focuses was helping increase education about farming and she helped bring the “Ag in the Classroom” resources into local schools.

Sandra was a leader in her family, church and community.  She gave selflessly of her time and talents and had a profound impact on many lives. Her love, leadership, humor and compassion will be missed.

The family wishes to express its appreciation the staff of Vidant Roanoke-Chowan for their exceptional care.

The family received friends on Wednesday, September 13, at the Conway Baptist Church social hall.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 14, at 2 p.m. at Conway Baptist Church with the Reverends James Hester and Willie McLawhorn officiating.  Burial will follow in the Conway Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to Pine Forest Rest Home, 3277 NC Hwy 35, Woodland, North Carolina 27897.

Online condolences may be directed to www.bridgersfuneralhome.com.