Sandra Lee Mitchell

Sandra "Sunshine" Mitchell passed peacefully at home on Saturday, October 21, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her Father, Alvin Smith and Mother, Doreen Smith. She is survived by her loving husband, Doug Mitchell, Sister, Tracy Cantrell (Ronnie), Nephew, Jason Martin, and Brother, Larry Smith, Brother in Law, Gary Mitchell (Peg), Nephews, Jason Mitchell (Mona), Zach Mitchell (Emily), Niece, Annika Mitchell, Sister in Law, Jackie Wright (Roger). Sandra was born March 24, 1959 in Goldsboro, NC. She lived most of her childhood in Manchester, GA and as a young teen moved to Birmingham, AL. At the age of 31, Sandra could not resist the offer to sail Florida waters with her soulmate, Doug, and moved to St. Petersburg. They married August 31, 1991 at sunset on the yacht Quachita in Pass a Grille Channel. Over the years Sandra and Doug enjoyed many sailing adventures together on their sailboats. Their other passion was spending time at their cabin in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Sandra was a lovely Southern belle who lit up the room with her beautiful smile and made friends everywhere. Sandra was also a great cook who never shied away from a new recipe. She loved to share her recipes and cooking with family and friends. Sandra, throughout her life, was the consummate business professional. Sandra won many awards during her career for her outstanding accomplishments. During her last 10 years, Sandra worked as the Office Administrator for her longtime dentist and friend, Dr. Blayne Gumm. For the last 8 years Sandra proudly served as the Executive Director of the American Board of General Dentistry, a national specialty organization that develops and administers written and oral examinations to post-graduate residents in dental schools to achieve a specialty board certification designation. This was a demanding position requiring travel across the country for board meetings, presentations at university graduate programs, and administering examinations at various venues. Sandra was so appreciated that she was awarded the prestigious Boris Award by the ABGD, which is only occasionally awarded to those individuals who have demonstrated truly distinguished service to the Board. Sandra was a very organized and detailed leader at all her various positions. Tough but fair, she helped and mentored many young people along their career paths. A special thank you to Suncoast Hospice for all of their teamwork and help during Sandra's final month. A Memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, November 4 at the Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. MLK St. No., St. Petersburg, FL 33704.