Sandra Vandergrift Austin Obituary (1944 - 2025)

Born May 07, 1944, Sandra Vandergrift Austin attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Sandra Vandergrift Austin.

Graduation Year	Class of 1962
Date of Birth	May 07, 1944
Date of Passing	Jan 29, 2025
About	Sandra Vandergrift Austin, 80, of Roanoke, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. She was born on May 7, 1944 in Weymouth, England. She and her mother sailed to Roanoke on the RMS Queen Mary when she was 2 years old. Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Harry Douglas Austin; parents, Emmette and Heather Vandergrift; brother, Michael Vandergrift; and her faithful dog, Rosie. She is survived by her son, Douglas Austin (Alesia); daughter, Michele Wright (Stephen); granddaughter, Katherine “Jade” Austin; brother, Emmette “Butch” Vandergrift (Martha); and sister, Barbara Myers (Danny). Sandra retired from Wachovia Child Development Center and was a faithful member of East End Baptist Church and then Hollins Road Baptist Church. She had over 65 years of combined membership. Church and church friends were incredibly important to Sandra. As a childcare provider at church and work, Sandra touched the lives of nearly 1,500 children. Sandra extends a thank you to the healthcare providers at both her dialysis and cancer centers. She also thanks all her friends who have loved her and laughed with her, and she would say, “Thank you, Thank you very much.” The family will have a Memorial Service on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 3:00pm at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Rd. Roanoke, VA 24019, officiated by Pastor Mark Washington. A Visitation/Receiving of Friends will take place one hour prior from 2:00pm – 3:00pm.