Sandra Cile Dickey

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Sandra Cile Dickey, 70, of Bryan, formerly of Gonzales, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015. Sandra was born July 17, 1944 in San Antonio to Raymond Dickey, Jr., and Alice Lucille Winkins Dickey. Sandra was a member of the Gonzales First United Methodist Church, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and Order of the Eastern Star Harlandale Chapter. 

Sandra was born in San Antonio— in Harlandale to be specific— but as a child she moved with her parents to Gonzales. She returned to San Antonio with her family where she attended and graduated from Harlandale High School in 1962. She was active in the high school band where she played the clarinet. She was a majorette in marching band and a baton twirler for the half time shows at football games where she awed the stadium crowds twirling batons of fire. 

After high school Sandra attended Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College earning a degree in Elementary Education and History in 1965. Sandra went to work for Harlandale Elementary School in 1965 teaching 2nd grade until 1968 when she accepted a job teaching for Gonzales ISD until 1971. She took a teaching position at Aldine Elementary where she worked from 1971 to 1975 all the while working on her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Prairie View A&M which she received in 1975.   

Sandra worked as Assistant Principal of the Cypress-Fairbanks Elementary School from 1975 to 1979 and then taught 1st grade in Copperas Cove Elementary School from 1979 to 1983. Sandra returned to Gonzales in 1983 working as a teacher and dyslexia coordinator for the district. Sandra worked on her doctorate with a discipline in dyslexic education through the Texas Women’s University in 1994. But the demands of working on her doctorate required more time spent away from her son, students, church family and friends, all of which, to Sandra, were greater priorities than goals of personal acclaim. Sandra retired from the Gonzales Independent School District in 2005 leaving an unparalleled commitment to excellence in education and stewardship to her profession.

Sandra will be remembered as a selfless woman of God. She always put the needs of others before her own. She was generous, compassionate and loving to a fault, many times putting the welfare of others before her own health.

Sandra put her heart and soul into everything. She loved unconditionally. But giving of herself and exhausting her body to help others is what made Sandra happy. Hers was life filled with an abundance of love for others. She loved animals and rescued so many. Her faith sustained her; the smiles she put on the faces of others, including animals, humbled her and gave her peace. 

Sandra was so many things to so many people, but to Cody, she was mom, and to Sandra there was no greater role than being the mother of her son. Sandra did many of the things most mothers of boys know well: Cub Scout and Webelos den mother, teaching her child’s Sunday school classes and never missing one of Cody’s athletic events.

But Sandra went beyond what is customarily asked of a mother. She took Cody on in basketball and played catch with him even though she had to pad the palm of her glove because his fastball stung her palm. Cody never questioned whether his mother loved him, she loved him completely, to the stars and back, forever and ever, amen.

Sandra Cile Dickey is survived by her adoring son and his loving fiancé, Cody Tanner Dickey and Chrissy Herman of Bryan and a host of devoted fellow teachers, friends and church family. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Raymond Dickey, III. 

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 in the First United Methodist Church. There will be a life celebration service at 7 p.m. in the church with Pastor Andy Smith officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26 in Mission Burial Park South in San Antonio. Pallbearers are Cody Dickey, Sonny Sloan, Ray Dickey, Max Konz and David Brinkley. Honorary pallbearers include all the teachers and staff of Gonzales ISD, her church family, former students and dear friends all of whom Sandra treasured.  

In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.                 

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