Sandra Saunders Sibley

Diamondhead, MS—Sandra Sibley, 79, died Monday, May 25, 2015, at The Arbor in Ridgeland. A native of Meridian, she was the daughter of the late James Pittman and Lula Mae Rivers Saunders. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in English and later received a Masters degree from Mississippi State University. On January 29, 1955, she married John D. Sibley of Pachuta. They made their home in Okolona, raising their three children—John Dale, Faye Carole, and Jessica. For nearly 30 years, Sandra taught English and business courses at Okolona High School. She was chosen Star Teacher and named to the First Governor’s Conference on Education. Sandra was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary society for educators, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization promoting education for women, and Phi Mu, a collegiate sorority. For over thirty years, she was a member of the Federated Women’s Club serving in local and district offices. Sandra and her husband, John, retired to Diamondhead where she continued to have an active civic and social life. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames XVII Century, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. With a strong faith in Christ, she was a member of the Diamondhead Community Church. She loved to travel, read historical fiction, research genealogical history, sing and play piano, and play bridge with her friends. Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Sibley, her son, John Dale Sibley, Jr., and her daughter, Jessica Sibley Upshaw. She is survived by her daughter, Faye Carole Sibley Cleveland (Peter) and her sister Faye Saunders Morgan. Affectionately known as “Sibby,” she leaves grandchildren, Rachael Sibley Faulkner (Bryan), Katherine Cleveland Gilbert (Peter), Lauren Upshaw Welch (Thomas), William Cleveland, and five great grandchildren. The family will welcome friends on Monday, June 1, from 12:00—1:00 at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport, with a private graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Salvation Army or to a charity of one’s choice. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com