Sandra Lynne Gillikin

Sandra Lynne Gillikin, 67, of Otway, obtained her Heavenly wings on September 27, 2018 at Pruitt Health Care Center surrounded by family and her extended Pruitt Family. Her love for the Lord was displayed through her daily walk through life, personal spirit for laughter and love for her family.

Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 1, 2018, at Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church, officiated by Reverend William O’Neal and Reverend Nelson Koonce. Burial will follow at the Cleveland Gillikin Family Cemetery in Otway.

At a young age, Sandra Lynne enjoyed spending valuable time with her Grandmother.  “Miss Myrtle” as called by many instilled the early values of life not obtained through a text book lesson: Strength is found in God’s word, family matters, hard work will not kill you and laughter is always a form of medicine. These values would become a foundation for the life Sandra would live and display to others through her journey.

Sandra would soon come to realize her love for children and the desire to involve herself in their foundation in an effort to prepare them for what life may throw their way. Sandra was employed by the Carteret County School System for over 10 years as a Teacher’s Assistant, Bus Driver to all events and Assistant Basketball Coach.  She found great joy in seeing “her children” prosper through learning at all levels of achievement and  performing through such activities such as Drama Club, Music and Sports. She would often be heard saying “every child has the potential to be great at something if given the opportunity.”

Throughout life, Sandra Lynne would continue her love for music and the ability to express herself through song, piano, organ and singing of God’s blessings to all. As a young girl, she would travel to church with her grandmother and assist with piano playing on Sunday nights when needed. As time continued, she would assist through piano and organ, children’s and adult choir participation while a member at the Otway Christian Church. In later years, while a member of the Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church, Sandra was active as a Children’s youth leader during Wednesday night service, choir member, assistant piano player when needed.

Sandra realized at the age of 40 that her foundation of God’s love would be an example to all that knew her and her own personal needs. Sandra became a spoke-person for Donation awareness and the importance of organ donation to all.  She used her personal life as an opportunity to encourage others as a guest speaker at conventions and public awareness seminars regarding organ donation and the implications on the individual and their family. On December 2, 1998, Sandra received her second chance of life through the donation of an unknown hero and she used every opportunity from that day forward to reinforce to others God’s promise of continued healing and faith. Under medical advice, she was informed maybe another five years however she would often be heard laughing and saying, “They do not know my God’” and this example would be visible through her continued strength and an example for her only child/daughter.

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declared the Lord”  Jeremiah 30:17

As life continued as it usually does for all, Sandra’s main focus was her love for God and her family and her involvement in their lives. Her pride and joy became her only granddaughter known as “baby girl”. Her new title of “Nana” became a daily focus of interest and need. Just as her grandmother had molded her early years, she would do the same for her Victoria.  She spent her final days exhibiting God’s faithfulness, so her family would know the value of God’s word and foundation.

Knowing God’s hand was nigh, Miss Sandra was overheard by several telling her daughter the best job she ever had was that of a Mother.

The family of Mrs. Gillikin would like to personally thank the employees of PruittHealth of Sea Level for their unconditional love and support, Dr Willis and Jack Orton PA for their guidance and understanding, Sea Breeze Family Practice and Dr. Nutz of Morehead City for over 23 years of compassion and Paula Day (personal care giver) for continued support and love.

Mrs. Gillikin is survived by her daughter, Bobbie Lynn Gillikin and granddaughter, Victoria Rose Salter of Davis; sister, Dianna Paul and husband, Nelson of Raleigh; sisters-in-law, Audrey Parnell of Otway, Sandy Gillikin and Gladys Garner and husband Jimmy of Newport, Matilda Davis of Otway; brother-in-law, Berkley Ray Gillikin of Otway; mother, Esther G. Gillikin of Newport; father, Donnie O Lewis and wife, Beverly of Otway; and numerous nieces and nephew.

She is preceded in death by husbands, Anson Ray Gillikin and Bobby Gray Gillikin; son-in-law, Lester Allen Salter; niece, Melodie Dawn Parnell; nephew, Andy Gillikin; multiple grandparents; sister and brothers-in-law and extended family members all waiting her Heavenly Home Coming.

Family will see friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Flowers are welcome.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, NC.