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FRANKLIN – Sandra (Sandy) Skeen Spengeman, 75, passed away peacefully at home in Franklin on March 17, 2022. She was born on March 13, 1947 in Lebanon, Virginia, the daughter of the late James Taylor Skeen and Lucille Howard Skeen. She grew up in the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia on her family’s farm, Twin Maples.

She was a 1965 graduate of Lebanon High School and a proud graduate of the College of William and Mary with a bachelor’s in Ancient Languages and later a master’s in education. Don and Sandy fell in love in college and were married on May 16, 1970 in Sandy’s hometown church, Elk Garden United Methodist. They moved to Franklin and she began her career teaching Latin at Windsor High School. She later taught many years at Franklin High School and finally retired from Oscar Smith High School in June 2012. Sandy was greatly admired as a Latin teacher and was an active member in the Junior Classical League. She is still known to many former students as “magistra.”

Sandy’s greatest love in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mom and adoring ”Gammaw” to her five grandchildren. Sandy loved to travel and planned many trips for her and Don including Scotland, Cuba and Norway among others. She also treasured her many visits with family on “the farm” in Rosedale, Virginia, where she grew up. When not traveling, Sandy spent many hours reading, playing with her grandchildren and cheering on her beloved Virginia Tech Hokies. She was an active member of the Franklin Book Club and a longtime member of High Street United Methodist Church.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 51 years, Donald (Don) Franklin Spengeman; her two sons, Jeremy Taylor Spengeman and Justin Daniel Spengeman; her daughter, Sara Marie Barnes and son-in-law, Edward Barnes; and her daughter, Susan Eliza Spengeman. She was a loving Gammaw to Preston Taylor Spengeman, Cooper Edward Barnes, Audrey Blair Spengeman and Emma Grace Barnes.

In addition, she is survived by her brother, Jim Skeen; her brother, Mike Skeen and sister-in-law, Lois Skeen; her brother-in-law, Bill Spengeman; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Willam and Lillian Spengeman; her sister, Patty Skeen; her sister-in-law, Susan Spengeman and her granddaughter, Madeline Marie Barnes.

Sandy’s family would like to thank the staff at Virginia Oncology, Sentara Obici Hospital and Sentara Hospice, who showed them such compassionate care. They are also so very grateful to all of the family and friends who provided so much love and support over the past several months.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 22 at 2 p.m. at High Street United Methodist Church, 31164 Camp Parkway, Courtland, VA 23837. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sandy’s memory to the American Cancer Society, High Street United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org