Sandy Kirkman Blackburn

Sandy Faye Kirkman Stafford Blackburn, 72, of Allen Drive in Lexington, North Carolina went home to be with her Jesus on Friday April 9, 2021 at Kernersville Medical Center.

Sandy was born in Winston-Salem NC to Ralph Ellis Kirkman and Irene Linville Kirkman who both preceded her in death as well as her daughter Rhonda Denise Stafford, her granddaughters, Kearin Schneider, Michelle and Elizabeth Stafford.

She grew up in Kernersville, NC and later lived most of her life in Davidson County, NC which she loved dearly. She is survived by one daughter Lisa Stafford (Mike) Zaehring; two sons, Dwayne (Stacy) Stafford and Jason (Carla May) Stafford of Kernersville; 5 grandchildren, Miranda, Zachary, Ashleigh Stafford, Nicole and Doug Zaehring; two sisters, Doris Kirkman Boone of Kernersville, and Gail Kirkman Beeson of Clemmons. God gave her spiritual family too numerous to mention of brothers, sisters, and children who loved, encouraged, and supported her throughout the years.

Sandy was an encourager, teacher, and a preacher for the Kingdom of God: nothing gave her greater joy. Often, she stated “I never get it all said about Jesus!” She spoke in hundreds of churches/conferences in all denominations and before thousands throughout several states as she allowed Christ to shine His light through her life. She had a child-like faith and was a simple country girl proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As a Wordsmith and author, she penned 7 published books and numerous sermons, writings, and published articles. Sandy served as a Sunday School Teacher, Secretary to Ad Board, Chair of Evangelism, and Mission Committees as well as several other committees at Oak Forest UMC, UMW Presidentant Bunker Hill UMC, on the District Mission’s Board and as Associate Lay Leader of the Lexington District, on the Board of the Salvation Army’s Boy’s and Girls Club in Lexington, and participated  on two mission teams to Panama and Dominican Republic through the WNCC of the UMC. She was active many years in the Piedmont Emmaus Community. She also was selected to deliver the Laity Address and Lay Witness Address at Lake Junaluska before the WNCC Annual Conference.

Sandy was a hugger and loved people passionately. She described herslf as a Follower of Jesus and Cracked Pot, a country girl with Child-like faith.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorials to Open Hands of Davidson County which was very close to her heart, or to Mt. Carmel UMC. Her Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Monday April 12, 2021 at Mount Carmel UMC in Winston Salem, NC with Reverend Dr. Mary Miller and Reverend Boyd Joyce conducting services.

Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net