Sandra Mankins

Sandra Faye Mankins October 22, 1945 – April 6, 2025 Also known as Tanny, Memaw, Sugar Bush (for all the CB radio fans out there). Sandra Faye Mankins left this world with the same flair she lived in it: unapologetically bold and absolutely unforgettable. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her children, on April 6, 2025, in Kaufman, Texas, at the age of 79. Born on October 22, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, Sandra grew up in Richardson and eventually settled in Terrell, where she raised a very large, very loving, and very lively family. She was married five times, which she considered more a testament to her charm than anything else. Sandra was the fiercely devoted mother of Scott Parramore—children: Alex and Elizabeth; Pamela Vicars—children: Jody, Brittany, and Elizabeth; Lance Gabel and wife Darla—children: Miranda, Brice, Brandon, and Blake; and Elen Mundheim—son: Jäger. Her children by marriage, Tim Mankins and wife Joy—children: Shelby and Jayson; and Tina Moore and husband Mike—children: Tiernan and Preston. She also raised two grandchildren as her own: Kimberly Spears and husband Justin—children: Millie, Michael, and Ozzy; and Kristy Alcorte and husband Arthuro—children: Christian, Xavier, Angel, and Faith. Sandra was the sister of Richard Aly and wife Sheri—children: Scooter and Robin, and Bill Aly—son: Brandon. She was also aunt to Ty Hamlin, Beverly Grunwald, Tish Carpenter, Denise Nicklen, and Rhonda Decker. Sandra was the life of every room and the beat to every song. She never met a stranger and made everyone feel like family. She developed a unique relationship with everyone she knew—one that made each of them know just how special they truly were to her. She could fix your car, sew you an outfit, cut your hair, and hot glue your centerpiece together—all in the same afternoon. Spontaneous to the core, she could pack a bag and hit the road faster than you could say “road trip.” And despite having little, she gave generously—to friends, to family, to strangers in need. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a thousand unforgettable stories. She also leaves behind a strong suspicion that she’s already rearranging Heaven’s furniture and making plans for a celestial gathering with friends and family. Sandra was preceded in death by her husbands James Fields, Dennis McLauchlin, Jerry Gabel, and Freddie Mankins; her children Sam Gabel and Chandra Blake; her grandchild Taylor Mankins; her parents Ralph and Eleanor Aly; her sisters Charlotte Moreland and Patsy Johnson; and her sister-in-law Jane Aly. One can only imagine the party that awaited her. A Celebration of Life will be held for the staff and residents at Sunflower Park Nursing Home in Kaufman, TX on April 12th at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will follow that afternoon at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel in Terrell, TX at 4:00 p.m., with funeral service to begin at 5:00 p.m. and every one is welcome to attend one or both and share the many memories of Sandra.

Tributes

Sandra Mankins

October 22, 1945 - April 6, 2025