Sandra Eubanks

Mary Sandra Shirley Eubanks Mary Sandra Shirley Eubanks passed away on Oct. 13, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. That's as it should be, because she devoted her 64 years to family, and to a faith she expressed through music. All who knew Sandra will forever hear her beautiful voice, singing the hymns that graced her life. One of her favorites was "Jesus Loves Me." Daughter of the late Harold and Gladys Shirley, she was born April 22, 1949, and grew up in Monroe, N.C. She was preceded in death by her parents and her twin sister, Sally Bivens. Her passion for music took hold during summers as a teen-ager at Brevard Music Center in the N.C. mountains. She spent two years at Stratford College in Danville., Va., before graduating from Greensboro College. She and her husband, Tom, were married in 1969, eventually putting down roots in Charlotte. What a wonderful life they shared for 44 years raising four children and doting on seven grandchildren. Family, faith, friends and music were her life. Gigi, as the grandchildren called her, adored family gatherings at their home as well as at Bald Head Island. For over 40 years, Sandra sang in the Chancel Choir at Myers Park United Methodist Church, an alto whose affection for the music and her fellow singers endeared her to everyone. Sandra is survived by her husband, Tom; four children - Clinton Eubanks and his wife, Jane; Ashley Harrison and her husband, Jamie; Sally Brown and her husband, Pete; and Meg Eubanks; and seven grandchildren - Thomas and Porter Eubanks, Ellie and Kate Harrison and Molly, Banks and Annie Brown. She was grateful that all the children and grandchildren lived close by in Charlotte. There was nothing complicated about what mattered most to Sandra: Being a good daughter and sister early in life, then being a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Until the end, she thanked God for His many blessings. That's why she spent her life singing. The family will be forever grateful for the love and prayers of so many, and for the care of doctors and nurses at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte. A memorial service celebrating her life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in the Sanctuary at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road. Rev. Bill Roth and Rev. Julian Aldridge Jr., retired from Myers Park United Methodist Church, will lead the service. Director of Music Jimmy Jones and the Chancel Choir will participate. A reception will follow in Jubilee Hall at the Church. The family will also welcome friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the home, 2033 Woodhaven Road. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts honoring Sandra go to the Walter Ball Endowment Fund which supports the Music Ministry at Myers Park United Methodist Church. Checks can be made out to the Church with Walter Ball Endowment Fund on the memo line and mailed to 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.