Sandra Allen Thompson

God called for Sandra Allen Thompson, age 72, during the early morning hours of May 5, 2019, and now heaven is a brighter place with the addition of her smile and laughter. No mother ever loved her children more than "Sandy" and we were grateful to be by her side as she passed from this earth. Mom, thank you for your devoted love and care. While we know you are in a better place, you are already sadly missed. Sandy was born on August 13, 1946 to the late Charles W. Allen and Rowena B. Allen, now Forster, in Squire, West Virginia. She used to tell us stories about her early life and challenges faced growing up in the mountains, however, most of her memories were fond recollections of fun and mischief experienced with her four siblings; Sue, Billy, Chris and Sharon. Seeking opportunities beyond the coal mines, her family moved to Lynchburg, Virginia in 1959, where Sandy enjoyed her teenage years, including walking to E.C. Glass High School for class, where she graduated in 1964. That same year, at the young age of 18, she married Aubrey H. Hall, Jr., "Toby", and for a period of time traveled throughout the south with him as he held various positions in the garment industry. They eventually moved back to the Rustburg area with Sandy giving birth to her son, Aubrey H. Hall, III "Todd", in 1970 and her daughter, Allison Paige Appelman, in 1974. During the 70s Sandy was dedicated to raising her children and was an absolutely wonderful mother. She made sure Todd and Allison participated in all the sports and activities they could handle, while planning numerous birthday parties and trips to the park, zoo, movies, swimming pool and beach. Her evenings were spent working on crochet or needle point and we still enjoy the afghan blankets and pictures her talents created to this day. Sandy loved Christmas and hosted many family holiday gatherings, usually on Christmas Eve, where everyone always had a great time. She enjoyed music, including playing the piano and dancing, and even participated in a theatrical production of Damn Yankees. Sandy also developed a deep passion for tennis and convinced Toby to construct a court in the backyard where she played with her friends and taught Todd and Allison the game. Oh, how she enjoyed her tennis matches and time spent playing at the "Indoor Court" in Lynchburg and Oakwood Country Club as well as competitively on the "Rustburg Bee Gees" USTA team and in the Long Mountain Tennis Tournament. Sandy also became very talented at gardening and landscaping and worked tirelessly to ensure the yard and flower beds around her home were in immaculate condition. Time passes and people change. Sandy and Toby grew apart for reasons no longer important, and in the mid-80s, with her children getting older, Sandy began working for Dr. Stephen L. Thompson as a physician's assistant, quickly becoming a favorite of many patients loyal to his practice. A strong bond developed between "Doc" and Sandy, and after divorcing Toby, she married the love of her life in 1993. The two were best of friends and practically inseparable, vacationing at the beach, traveling on trips with friends, going to Super Bowls, shag dancing every chance they could get and laughing all the way. They "rocked and rolled" for a long time. Beginning in the late 90s, Sandy's time and attention shifted to making a wonderful home for Doc and coordinating activities for her grandchildren, Aubrey, Sam, Travis and Stevie. They all looked forward to "Sandy" days at the pool, going to Lynchburg and basically doing anything they wanted. She demonstrated the same dedication to her grandchildren that she had shown twenty years earlier for Todd and Allison. Through all the years and changes, Sandy continued to provide love and support to all of us. She had a special affection for her mother, Rowena, and her sister, Sue, and continually looked after them, making sure they had what they needed. She also cared for Doc, especially after his cancer diagnosis, loving and supporting him without any complaints until he passed in 2012. She grieved deeply after his death and bravely entered a new phase in life on her own. While she never quite made it back to the Sandy of old, her spirit and courage were strong as she was determined to make it alone. Sandy finally started hitting the "dance floor" again in 2015, but suffered a stroke three years to the date after Doc's death, which was followed by an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Despite these challenges, she kept traveling, going with friends to "SOS" at Myrtle Beach and other dancing events until approximately a year ago when the disease started to take its toll. Fortunately, Sandy was able to experience the birth of Allison's first child, Fitz Appelman, in February of this year and spent some precious time with her new grandson prior to leaving us. She remained in her home up until the last week of her life when her health rapidly declined. Though hard to accept her loss, we are thankful she did not suffer long. Sandy is survived by her son, Todd, and his wife, Shannon; her daughter, Allison, and her husband, Sanford; her step-daughter, Tracy Thompson Rosser; her step-son, Stephen L. Thompson, Jr.; her mother, Rowena; two sisters, Lana Sue Rice and her husband, Melvin, and Sharon R. Williams and her husband, Don; and a brother, William M. Allen, and his wife, Paulette. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Aubrey H. Hall, IV, Samuel T. Hall, M. Fitzsoren Appelman, Travis H. Rosser and Stevie E. Rosser. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Martha F. Brown, JoAnn B. Eades, Katherine B. Logwood and Cindy J. Stone, whose care and attention helped keep Sandy in her home and enjoying a high quality of life. Thank you for loving our Mom. Also, thank you Reverend Sung for all your support during Mom's last hours. A memorial service celebrating Sandy's life will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Rustburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Sung Woon Yoo officiating. A reception will follow in the church's multi-purpose center. Those wishing to make memorial contributions should consider Rustburg United Methodist Church, which has provided the family with a significant level of support. Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra Allen Thompson

August 13, 1946 - May 5, 2019