Sandra Jean Thames

Sandra Johnson Thames passed away suddenly on October 12, 2023, in Lakeway, TX, at the age of 88. A celebration of life memorial will be held at Shirley Acres at 217 Woerner Road in Houston, TX, on November 17, 2023, at 11 a.m.

She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Stevens, her mother, Elva Ola Bewley, and her adoptive father, Neil Johnson. She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years William (Buck) Thames, of Lakeway, TX; her daughter, Beverly Thames and her wife, Billie Norman, of Lakeway, TX; her son, Bruce Thames and his wife, Dana, of Austin, TX; granddaughters: Kirby Thames and Haley Thames, of San Antonio, TX.

Sandra was born in Chicago, IL, on October 12, 1935. Shortly after her birth, she and her mother moved back to the family home in Shreveport, LA, where Sandra grew up. During the polio epidemic of the 1950s, a high school friend contracted polio and she visited him regularly at the hospital. This experience inspired her to go into nursing to help others. She attended Northwestern State University of LA and upon graduation worked as a clinical nurse at Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport.

Sandra met her life partner, Buck Thames, in Shreveport while chasing the milkman to pay him. Buck was sitting on the front porch of a neighbor’s boarding house, where he was renting a room. He soon asked her out. The clinical rotation of her nursing program didn’t leave much time for dating, so they usually went for a Dr. Pepper (her favorite beverage) or a movie. Love blossomed and they were soon married. They spent many happy years together raising two children, Bruce and Beverly. She instilled in her children a love of the arts. The family regularly attended plays, concerts, museum exhibits and movies. More importantly, Sandra raised her children to be independent, honest and reliable and gave them a stable and loving environment in which to flourish.

After taking time off to raise her children, Sandra found her true calling as a nursing instructor at her alma mater in Shreveport. When the family moved to Spring, TX, in 1975, she took a teaching position at Harris County Community College. Even in retirement, Sandra continued to serve as an advice nurse for friends and family and she was a devoted caregiver to her husband up until her death. In retirement, they traveled abroad extensively visiting many countries across Europe and Asia. They also enjoyed doting on their granddaughters, Kirby and Haley. In August of 2022, she and Buck moved from Spring to Lakeway, TX, to be closer to family.

Sandra had an active social life, loved people and made friends easily. In 1998, she helped found the North Hill Estates Ladies Lunch Bunch, which continues to meet. Sandra was a member and past president of Northwest Women’s Club, where she formed many lasting friendships. She was also involved in various philanthropic activities and always wanted to bless others. One of her favorite projects was sponsoring girls living at Boys and Girls Country in Hockley, TX. She also loved organizing trips to places of interest and to artistic performances around Harris County. Shortly after moving to Belmont Village in Lakeway, TX, Sandra volunteered to be a BV Ambassador for new residents. Never far from a pencil and a crossword puzzle, she was a natural at BV virtual crosswords. She kept a stash of candy bars from her bingo winnings and relished afternoon games of Rummikub at BV.

A woman of strong faith, the Lord took her quickly and peacefully. We will miss her deeply. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boys and Girls Country, 18806 Roberts Rd, Hockley, TX 77447; Champion Forest Baptist Church, 15555 Stuebner Airline Road, Houston TX 77069; or the charity of your choice.