Sandra Mashburn Brooks, 65, of Vicksburg, died in the evening of Aug. 4, 2019, at the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit of the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Sandra was born to Robert W. Mashburn Sr. and Anna Jo Mashburn of Bolton on April 25, 1954.

On June 5, 1976, Sandra married John Hayes Brooks of Vicksburg.

The couple had one son, Robert Hayes Brooks (1979), and one daughter, Lara Whittington Brooks (1983).

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband John and her mother Anna Jo Mashburn.

Sandra is survived by her son, Hayes and wife Susanna of Starkville; daughter, Lara and husband Matt of Mandeville, La.; and grandchildren, Simmons Brooks, Taylor Biggers and Fletcher Brooks.

She is also survived by her father, Robert W. Mashburn; sister, Lou Ann Mellon and husband Richard, and brother Robert W. “Bobby” Mashburn, Jr. and wife Janet, all of Bolton.

Sandra graduated Council 2 McCluer High School in Jackson. She attended Mississippi State University and graduated in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in education and later obtained a masters degree in special education.

Sandra taught special education at Bowmar Elementary and Beechwood Elementary in the Vicksburg Warren School District until her retirement in 2001.

Post retirement, Sandra continued pursuing her passion for special education and was one of the founders of Jacob’s Ladder Learning Center in Vicksburg, a school focused on teaching students with various mental and learning difficulties daily life and employment skills.

Sandra also taught at Jacob’s Ladder from 2001 until 2010.

Sandra was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, where she served as a deacon and was a member of the Martha Circle.

During her retirement, Sandra spent her time traveling with John and friends Dale and Cindy McClung, and visiting her grandchildren. She also enjoyed volunteering with the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels. In line with her spirit of service and pursuant to her wishes, Sandra donated her body to medical research.

A memorial service will take place at First Presbyterian Church, 1501 Cherry St., in Vicksburg on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, at 3 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 to 3 p.m.

The family thanks the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit of the University of Mississippi Medical Center for their compassion and kindness in caring for Sandra.

Donations in Sandra’s memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg and Jacob’s Ladder Learning center.