Sandra Lee Colquitt graced our world on October 31, 1948, at the Susan Medical Center in Athens, GA to Mrs. Mamie Lee Colquitt and Mr. Kennie Colquitt. Sandra Lee Colquitt Lumpkin transitioned peacefully from this world in her home, with loved ones, on July 19, 2024. Her parents had prayed for a girl to be their first child and Sandra arrived as the “most beautiful little baby girl” one could imagine.

Sandra was an educated product of the Clarke County School System and a proud graduate of the Burney-Harris High School Yellow Jacket Class of 1966. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education and Middle Grades from the University of Georgia. Sandra taught her first year at Madison County Middle School and her second year at Chase Street Elementary School. While at Madison County Middle School, she often remarked that most of the male students were taller than her and many students did not know her ethnicity – frequently asking if Sandra was an American!

Sandra poured her heart and soul into teaching and left an indelible mark on her community. Most summers she tutored underserved students free of charge. Many of her former students attested to remembering her not just as a teacher, but as a guiding light in their lives, often expressing their love and gratitude for the profound impact she had on them.

To those who knew her, Sandra was a beacon of kindness, love, and support. Sandra was a constant source of strength for her children and husband, helping each one achieve their dreams through her encouragement and belief in their potential. She was the backbone of our family and the caregiver who approached every situation with prayer -- “Place it in the hands of the Lord.”

Sandra leaves behind “The Matriarch” of our family, her mother, Mrs. Mamie Lee Carey Colquitt, as well as her beloved husband of over 54 years, Chief Joseph H. Lumpkin Sr., her “eighth-grade sweetheart.”

Their bond was a testament to true love, filled with admiration, mutual respect, unwavering support, and a deep, enduring affection that inspired everyone who knew them.

She is survived by her three children, Joseph H. Lumpkin Jr. (Francine), Tonya Lumpkin, and Diana Butler (Frankie), her cherished grandchildren, Samuel Hood, Kendra Hood, Cameron Lumpkin, Ashton Lumpkin, Frankie Butler III, Korey Butler, and Gabrielle Butler.

Sandra is also survived by her four brothers, Clifford (Vicki), Gregory (Linda), Percy, and Carey Colquitt, along with a host of beloved aunts and an uncle, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding her in death were her father, Kennie Colquitt, and her twin grandchildren, Titus and Emersyn Butler.

In her retirement years, Sandra embraced the quote from Michelle Obama, “When they go low, we go high,” a sentiment that beautifully captured her grace and resilience. She also found comfort and strength in the words, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
While small in stature, Sandra made others feel big and special. Sandra was also a founding Ashousa of the Delta Psi Boule’. Her presence will be missed, but those she loved know she will always be beside them on their journey.

Sandra’s legacy will forever inspire and guide those who were blessed to know her. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all the lives she touched.

Celebration of Life services will be held, Saturday, July 27, 2024, 1:00 PM, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 1931 Old West Broad St. Athens, GA with interment in East Lawn Memorial Cemetery, 825 Winterville Road, Athens, GA

Viewing will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and visitation with the family from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home.