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Her belief in the goodness of people and the importance of acceptance ran deep

Sandra S. Gunn, affectionately known as “Nana,” departed this world on August 6, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, after a brief exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis. Her passing was peaceful, and she was embraced in those last moments by the vibrant circle of family she cherished above all else.

Born Sandra S. Frost on July 2, 1939, in Jefferson, Georgia, Sandra grew into a woman whose love for life was both boundless and infectious. From her earliest years, she demonstrated a passion for discovery, a thirst for knowledge, and a fierce devotion to both family and self. In later years, Sandra liked to joke—always with a twinkle in her eye—that she was her very own favorite person, but it was clear to all who knew her that loving her family “BIG” came in a close second.

Sandra had a mind that delighted in the design of things: the orderliness of numbers, the transformative potential of crafting, and the heartfelt stories found within books. Whether she was curled up devouring a novel, hands busy creating something beautiful, or gleefully adding another pair of Sketchers to her treasured collection, she moved through life with purpose, warmth, and relentless energy. “Busy, busy, busy,” was her mantra—and she expected those around her to keep up, often inspiring them to do just that.

Through every season of her life, Sandra was a champion of fairness and dignity. She welcomed all to her table, seeing in each person a story worth knowing, an experience worth sharing. Her belief in the goodness of people and the importance of acceptance ran deep, and she instilled these values in her children and grandchildren. She lived by the conviction that everyone deserved respect, regardless of color, gender, religious affiliation, ethnicity, or sexual orientation—a rarity and a gift, especially in the times she witnessed.

Sandra’s legacy beats strong in the hearts of those who survive her: her beloved granddaughters Jessica (Zane) Clark, Jamie (Ben) Allen, Randi-Lynn Korn, Carrie Korn; her great-grandchildren Britni Liberacki, Bailey (Caroline) Wade, Payton Allen, Jacob Allen, Evan Allen, and Gracie Korn; and her treasured great-great-grandchildren Brandon Liberacki, Braylen Liberacki, Ashton Liberacki, and Riley Wade. Each of them carries a story or lesson imparted by “Nana”—a constellation of memories that reflect Sandra’s one-of-a-kind spirit and sense of humor.

Jessica recalls the lesson Nana taught her, a guiding star that shines brightest in challenging moments: to always rise above the fray, show grace and love to others, and ensure that the last thing you say or do to someone is never regretted. Jamie treasures the vivid memory of Nana attempting to bring the “beef cake” home from their trip to the beach, and the delightful advice, never forgotten: “Walk so your a** does not drag the ground.” Carrie remembers, with warmth and laughter, the story Nana told about the “colored” water fountains of her youth—Sandra’s innocent belief that these must surely hold magical rainbow water, a story that reflects her lifelong rejection of prejudice and her hopeful spirit. Randi-Lynn fondly remembers Nana’s ever-present willingness to make her signature beef stew, the taste of which will linger in family lore for generations.

Sandra is reunited now with her beloved daughters, Regina Carter and Jennifer Korn, whose memories were always close to her heart and are now, forever, together.

To the end, Sandra's home was a place of bustle and invitations, where stories were swapped, lessons were learned, and laughter was constant—her arms and her heart open wide to anyone craving belonging. Her example will ripple on in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: in every act of kindness, every table set with an extra chair, every burst of spontaneous creativity or perfectly balanced spreadsheet.

In remembering Sandra S. Gunn, we celebrate a woman who truly lived, who loved deeply, and who never stopped teaching—about resilience, inclusivity, humor, and how to walk tall.

A memorial service celebrating Sandra’s extraordinary life will be announced by her family at a later date, where all will be welcome to gather, share, and reflect—as she would have wanted, with open arms and open hearts.