SANDRA SMITH LEWIS

Mrs. Sandra Smith Lewis, 83, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, at her home, after an extended illness. Sandra was born on October 5, 1942, at home in Appling County. After finishing high school at Appling County High School, she rode a Trailways bus to and from Macon weekly to take a year-long medical technology course. She returned to Baxley to work at Appling General Hospital, then under the administration of Stanley Crews, with John Creamer as head of the lab. Soon after, she was offered a job with Dr. J.A. Bedingfield, and this working relationship lasted for over 37 years. She retired in 1999 due to a battle with arthritis.
Sandra was a member of Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church, where, in 1992, she always said that in a Bible study, Reverend Robert Wigley “opened the Bible to me.” She was reared around the family plant company, Smith Plant Company, and in later years owned by her brother Denny. This is where her love for plants and flowers began and lasted throughout her life. Additionally, she had a deep passion for taking care of sick people. “In her own words, I love taking care of all of God’s creatures”. For many years, she worked alongside Dr. James A. Bedingfield. She also enjoyed reading and studying about history and would share a multitude of information. She spent much time, and loved penning notes of encouragement and cards of well wishes, and of course, each was signed and a scripture attached. She was an avid shopper at Belk’s, Penney’s, Ross, and PetSmart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold E. and Eula Overstreet Smith, a sister, Sheila Kay Smith, and a brother, Denny E. Smith.
Survivors include her husband, Staten Lewis, Jr.; a sister, Deborah Parker; a sister-in-law, Audrey Hughes Smith, along with many nieces and nephews, two great-great nephews, one great-great niece, and a dog named Chloe.
A Funeral Service was held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. at Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church, with Brothers Tommy Daniels, Rick Bown, Robert Wigley, and Ron Ross officiating. Visitation will be an hour before the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers were Harrison Reddy, Austen Peacock, Kobe Altman, Carroll Weaver, Sammie Peacock, and Jordan Greenich.
Honorary Pallbearers were all in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gideons International.
Nobles Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Mrs. Sandra Smith Lewis.