Sandra L. (Hatley) McMichael

Sandra Lee McMichael, born on October 8, 1939, in Grand Tower, Illinois, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Howell, Michigan. She is survived by her beloved children, Laurie A. Murray (Steve) and Joseph D. Lawrence, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Steven J. VanOast (Kelly), Heather R. Godlewski (Joey), and Madison E. Murray. Sandra also took great joy in her great-grandchildren, Grayson, Liam, and Kinsley VanOast, and Mason and Emma Godlewski.

Sandra was known for her vibrant spirit and a passion for life that was evident in everything she did. She loved crocheting, reading, and gardening, often spending her days tending to her plants or curled up with a good book. She was a talented baker, particularly known for her delicious banana and pumpkin bread, which she made with love during the holidays for her family. Sandra enjoyed trying new recipes, often creating her favorites from scratch. She loved to make cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, homemade potato salad and peach cobbler to name a few. She always loved a good meal!

A music enthusiast, Sandra found joy in the sounds of Tom Jones, Kid Rock, and Neil Diamond. She loved watching her favorite TV shows, including "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Bachelor." An avid sports fan, she passionately followed the Detroit Red Wings, Lions, and Tigers.

Sandra had a deep affection for her pets, especially her dogs, Mimi, Brandy, and Tucker. She treasured her time spent with her family, particularly her daughter, Laurie, and son, Joseph, creating countless memories filled with laughter and love. A family person at heart.

Sandra was known for her keen sense of style along with her bluntness. Always speaking exactly what was on her mind. Some of her favorite sayings were "Pretty is a Pretty does" and "You can do anything that you set your mind to do."

She is survived by her siblings, Judith Kessler, Betty Ellis, Darrell Hatley and Richard Dickinson. She was preceded in death by her first husband Joseph Lawrence Jr. and second husband Jerry U. McMichael in addition to her siblings Mary Hightower, Ted L. Hatley, Billy G. Hatley, David Leroy Hatley, Kenneth Hatley, Johnny Hatley, and her late parents, John W. Hatley and Ruth Ada Hatley (Parks).

Sandra's favorite places included the beautiful landscapes of Colorado, Arizona, and Hawaii, where she found peace and happiness. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sandra will be laid to rest next to the love of her life Joseph Lawrence Jr. in the Tower Grove Cemetery in Murphysboro, Ill. A small private family memorial will be held in the spring of 2025, as a celebration of her life.

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