In Loving Memory

Sandra Gilkerson

Sandra Gilkerson
May 22, 1947
September 8, 2020
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Obituary

Sandra Kaye Kennard was born on May 22, 1947, in Houston where she lived with her mother Patricia Ann (Barton) Kennard. As a child she lived in South Houston, and Long Island New York with her younger two brothers (Kevin Skinner and Donald Kennard). After attending high school in Springville, Utah, Sandra returned to Texas and her family in the gulf coast region. In December of 1967, Sandra met her future husband after a Texas A&M football game. Ken Gilkerson, proclaimed to friends that night that he would marry her. They were married less than a year later in Mexico on September 2, 1968.

In the years to follow, Sandra lived in the Beaumont area with Ken’s family while Ken served in the Vietnam conflict. During her time in Beaumont, Sandra worked at Baptist Hospital as an EEG/EKG technician. At this time, she also developed a skillset for bookkeeping, which become her trade in life. Her eye for detail and her work ethic served her well in bookkeeping work over the years across many different industries.

Sandra and Ken later welcomed their daughter Jenna in 1972. Ken’s career in civilian employment took the young family to the New Orleans area, back to Texas, and then out to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they spent 25 years before returning to Texas. Sandra loved the stunning natural beauty of the southwest, hiking outdoors, and the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. She relished her outdoor time caring for her plants, her daily walks, seeing movies, and a good bargain hunt. She was known for her love of animals, especially her cats.

Sandra’s eye for detail and caring nature was reflected in how she welcomed others into her home, and her considerate characteristics shined when she hosted others. Her home was always comfortable, and she enjoyed decorating it beautifully. She was a natural born homemaker, always ensuring that her home was relaxing retreat for her family and friends. Her family was always excited about her skillful and creative cooking, including gumbo, meatloaf, or chili (made from the closely guarded family recipe).

In recent years when Sandra and Ken settled in Brenham, to be closer to family, Sandra spent many days traveling to look after various family members in nearby towns. Sandra enjoyed being close to the people she loved the most during these final years in Brenham. Despite being on the road so much, Sandra worked hard to stay active and enjoyed starting the day with a morning walk. She maintained good health and an active lifestyle until recently when she began experiencing unexpected health complications. Sandra passed away on September 8, 2020, at the age of 73. In accordance with Sandra’s wishes, her life will be celebrated with a private family gathering.

Sandra is survived by her husband Ken; daughter Jenna; grandchildren Riley and Sarah; mother Patricia; siblings Donald Kennard of New York, Kevin Skinner of Austin, and John Thach and his wife Janet of Dallas.

If you’d like to make a contribution in memory of Sandra, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Cremation in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham. 979.836.3611 Share memories at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.