In Memory of

Class of 1938
Oct 14, 1919 - Feb 22, 2008

Eula Leigh Sandridge, 88, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2008, in Bradenton, Fla. She was born in Roanoke, Va., on October 14, 1919, to Kenley M. and Alice Markham Smith. She attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, Va., and graduated from the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing in Roanoke, Va., in 1943. Eula was a member of the "greatest generation." She married James William Sandridge Jr., whom she had known since childhood. Eula and Jim had two children, James W. Sandridge III and Betty L. Sandridge. As a devoted military wife, Eula "kept the home fires burning" during the five collective years her husband was away at war serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. During their 30 years in the military, Eula and Jim lived in and traveled to many places in the U.S. and Europe. Eula was a caring and loving person who always saw the best in everyone and handled life's challenges with grace and dignity. She was a gourmet cook and a consummate homemaker a genuine "June Cleaver" sort of Mom! For her children, the years were filled with happy times, family trips, lively conversation and laughter shared at the dinner table, stories at bedtime, and lots of hugs and love. She left a priceless legacy of memories that will always be cherished. After Jim's retirement from the military in 1970, he and Eula moved to Bradenton, Fla., where they enjoyed entertaining friends, growing orchids and just taking life easy. They were truly blessed to share over 32 years of retired life together and a total of 59 years of marriage, before Jim passed away in 2003. Eula is survived by her daughter, Betty L. Johnson; son and daughter-in-law, James W. Sandridge III and Dana, of Bradenton, Fla.; sister, Nora Kidd, of Roanoke, Va.; brother, Jackie Smith, of Roanoke, Va.; grandchildren, Ryan and Rachel Sandridge, of Bradenton, Fla., and James W. Sandridge IV and Johann Sandridge, of Iceland; as well as great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Arrangements are entrusted to Oakey's Funeral Service in Roanoke, Va. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 29, 2008, at Sherwood Abbey in Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem, Va., followed by interment at Sherwood Memorial Park. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.