Obituary of Sandra Jean Knowles - June 15th, 1952-November 11th, 2024

Sandra Jean Knowles, a beloved member of her family and dedicated career nurse, passed away peacefully on November 11th, 2024, at the age of 72 after a long battle with cancer. Born on June 15, 1952, Sandra’s life was marked by her love of helping others and her devotion to her family. She had a joyful spirit and was quick with a laugh and a warm hug for all her family and friends.

Sandra was born to Leo and Dixie Knowles of Clinton. She graduated from Union High School and furthered her education to become a Registered Nurse. Throughout her nursing career, Sandra found immense fulfillment in nursing, working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of her patients. Blessed with leadership skills, Sandra served as the Clinical Nurse Manager and Director of Wound and Ostomy Care at New Hanover Medical Center. Upon her retirement from New Hanover after decades of compassionate work, Sandra worked for Liberty Home Care as Manager of Wound Care and Coding and later at Liberty Southwood as well as Elizabeth Home Care and Hospice as a Wound Care RN. In each position, Sandra’s expertise, kindness, and dedication shone through, and she was deeply respected by her colleagues and patients alike.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Dixie Knowles, and brother David Knowles, all of Clinton.  She is survived by brother, Rick Knowles, and his wife, Susan of Conover, and sister-in-law, Katheen Knowles of Clinton.  She was a loving aunt to her nephews and niece, whom she cherished deeply and who affectionately called her “Nana” - Tyler Knowles and wife Meagan of Raleigh, Ashley Stanley and husband Ernie of Clinton, and Max Knowles and wife Sydney of Clinton. Sandra was the proud great-aunt to five great-nieces and nephews: Eva Rose Stanley, Eliza and Hunter Knowles, and Leo and Amelia Knowles. She was mother to many special fur babies through the years and is also survived by a loving extended family of many from the Matthis and Sumner families whom she loved deeply.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to two special friends – who were also family, Gloria Pope and Shirley Kennedy.  Gloria and Shirley were not only close companions to Sandra who shared many enjoyable adventures but also loving caregivers in the weeks leading up to her homegoing.  The family is forever thankful for their love, friendship, and support.

Special appreciation is also expressed to the staff of SECU Hospice House of Smithfield for their extraordinary care and compassion to Sandra in the last days of her life. Her family extends their heartfelt thanks for the difficult and dignified work that the entire staff provides to patients and families in their most trying moments.

Sandra was a woman of faith in a loving God that has welcomed her home and into his peace. Sandra’s legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched through her work and in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication, and her deep love for those around her.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 17 at Bethany PFWB Church of Clinton with a visitation held at 2:00 and the funeral service at 3:00. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Sandra’s love for animals, donations may be made to the New Hanover Humane Society, Inc., 2405 North 23rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28405.