Sandra Bailey Wilgus' Obituary
Sandra Bailey Wilgus passed away peacefully on January 30, 2019, in Dallas, TX. When she took her last breath on this sweet earth, she was — as she had been throughout her life — surrounded and buoyed by her family. They in turn were and continue to be, uplifted by her love.Sandra was born August 15,1934, in Brownfield,TX, the only child of Ike and Lorelle Bailey. She was valedictorian of her class at Brownfield High School, attended Stephens College in Missouri, and graduated summa cum laude from the School of Education at Texas Tech University. She later received a master’s degree in special education from SMU.On December 23, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert. Two years later, he began working at Collins Radio and they moved to Richardson, where they raised their three children. Sandra was a devoted stay-at-home mom. Everything David, Ken and Carol put their heart into, their No. 1 fan put her heart into also.A quintessential teacher, she loved imparting knowledge–to deaf children at an RISD elementary school and at First Baptist Richardson, where she and Robert were members for more than 60 years; to women in her Bible study class; to immigrants who before Sandra, didn’t know a word of English. They all benefited from her quiet determination, her passion for education, her belief in them.Above all her roles — Mom, Grandmom, Memom, friend, teacher, believer in you — she probably cherished one most of all: Prayer warrior. She was a strong Christian; her faith never wavered, never faltered. Everyone in the family (and many out of the family) knew they could rely on Sandra to pray passionately and consistently for any need; that she’d share their innermost secrets only with God.She was loyal and kind, an avid reader, a devoted friend whose strength was quiet, whose heart was huge, whose eyes were usually twinkling.Sandra was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 60 years, in 2016. She is survived by three children and their spouses: David and Jeanne Wilgus, Kenneth and Sally Wilgus, and Carol and John Edwards; 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way!Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4 at Restland Funeral Home. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at First Baptist Church Richardson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church’s International Friends Ministry.
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