Sandra Joann Warren

Sandra Joann Crain Warren was born at Hillcrest Hospital, Tulsa, OK on May 10, 1961 and left this world on March 26, 2017 at the age of 55 years, 10 months and 16 days. She died on a Sunday at Hillcrest Hospital surrounded by her son, daughter, granddaughter, sisters, niece, brother in-law and sister-in law. She passed very peacefully while they sang some of her favorite gospel songs. Sandy is the third of five children of Bobby Lee and Idella Mae (Rice) Crain. Her siblings include Linda Russell, Peggy Williams, Lisa Potter and Bobby Crain; all live in the Tulsa surrounding communities. Sandra is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Leo and Grace Crain and maternal grandparents BF and Lou Rice, her infant son Robert Joe Warren, Daniel Paul Newman (nephew) and her son-in-law Sean Ketcher. Sandy attended Central High School and worked at Ken’s Pizza in Sand Springs. Sandy was married briefly to Lucian Kelly and later met Robert Joe Warren, her true love. Robert and Sandy we married on May 4, 1982 and raised four children together; Amber Dawn Ketcher, Robert Joe (deceased), Michael Joe, Bobby Joe and Sara Warren. Sandy has five grandchildren; Kimberly (20), Sean (9), Mellanie (11), Alexa (4) and a great grandson Malachi (6 months), numerous nieces nephews, and cousins. She adored her grandchildren. Sara remembers her telling Alexa “I love you with all my heart”. I watched Alexa open her birthday gift from Sandy and she gave her Memaw (Sandy) a special smile as her eyes lit up; she loved Sandy.
As a child Sandy loved animals and music. If there was a stray cat or dog around her she would be wagging it around. She loved being outside and playing on the old tire swing dad made. As children our mom would gather us around as she played the accordion, guitar, piano or organ and we would all join her in singing gospel or folk songs. She took advantage of any opportunity to sing, whether it was in the choir, at Christmas celebrations or to her grandchildren. She loved to go camping with the family and just being outside. Sara remembers swinging in the hammock while camping, it didn’t matter if it was a clear night and they were looking up at the stars or if it was sprinkling rain. Sandy wasn’t much into shopping and accumulating worldly things, but her favorite things were candles, dolphins, incense, angels and the color green. Sandy loved going to Bingo with mom and dad. When her friend Sandy was alive they would go to the casino and play the penny slots. Her food choices were tacos, chicken nuggets and Pepsi; her tastes were pretty simple. It really wasn’t hard to please her!
Sandy lived life her way. Sandy was happy and showed that through her beautiful smile. She had a good sense of humor and an ability to keep on moving on. That is strength, and like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz; I hope she realized her own strength.  She was generous, loving, kind and feisty. Her caregivers were always surprised at her strength and determination for such a small woman. I always told them she reminded me of a banty hen; she thought she could overcome anything! She was a strong women until the end. Although she was very ill in the last six months of her life and she suffered much; I never heard her complain. Her request was always to be with her family! She was never one to prize stuff or material possessions; her prize possessions were her family!
She was always seen with her son Bobby whom she was very close. They both walked everywhere and she always made sure to call or visit mom. Sandy loved mom and would come by or call her every week. Sandy made sure to visit her daughter Sara and play with Alexa! She adored Sean and Mellanie and would call them since it was too far to walk to their house. Malachi was the newest and first great grandchild. Although she was ill, she tried to go to the park with him and Kimberly to feed the ducks! Sara remembers her mom always kept a clean house. She was that way as a kid too. Sandy had a very kind and generous heart, if she had money or food she would share.
My sister lived her life her way, it was not always easy and she made some poor choices. However, I know I have and if people are honest with themselves so have they! Be very careful pointing fingers, you might find you have several pointing back at you. I grew closer to Sandy over the last few years and we did have our disagreements, but we never stopped loving each other. I think we were born into the BEST family; although we each went down different pathways, we are always there for each other! Mom and dad should be proud because their children are always there and each of us have a personal relationship with Jesus. Our circle on earth has been broken, but I believe the Circle will not be broken in Heaven! Rest in Peace my friend and beloved sister! You will be missed, we all love you!