Sandra Prigella McCoy-Gaither was born in Winston-Salem, NC on November 10, 1953, to Janet Macon and Willie McCoy, Sr. As always told by her mother, she was "the last button on Job's coat," the youngest of her immediate family and the youngest grandchild. Her family all called her "Baby," a nickname she carried throughout her life.
Sandra attended elementary school in Winston until 1967 when her father was hired as a teacher in St. Paul, MN. She graduated from St. Paul Central in 1972 before attending Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. She married Bobby Thompson and from that union was born a daughter – Janet Monique.
The end of her marriage prompted a return to Winston-Salem. At an early age she had given her life to Christ, was baptized and joined Shiloh Baptist Church where she was an active member the rest of her life. She sang in SBC, the BIG 4 Choir (which she loved), was active in the Women's Ministry, an active giver, and a participant in any and all ministries of the church.
God blessed Sandra with another chance at love when she met and married Larry Eugene Gaither, a single father of two adult children – Crystal and Tony. They married in July 1996 and became a blended family. As life went on, she worked at MIS (Management Information Systems) for Forsyth County as a computer operator. For over 30 years, she prepared tax information to be distributed to the citizens of Winston -Salem and Surrounding areas.
She loved to travel, especially, cruising with her sister, Mazel. She loved her family and family gatherings, notably her husband Gene's "fish fries," road trips with her sister, going to weddings, graduations and any and all special events.
Sandra passed away at Forsyth Hospital on June 8, 2023. She is survived and cherished by her loving husband of 27 years, Larry Eugene (Gene) Gaither; her children, Janet Monique Thompson, Crystal Gaither, and Antonio (Tony) Gaither (Amber); her siblings, Mazel McCoy-Anderson (Gayle), Mario Lanza McCoy, and Willie P. McCoy, Jr. (Evelyn); grandchildren Toria Jaquay McCoy Thompson, Yahshua Khemau Thompson-Berkley, Erica Moses, Shekaniah Gaither, Al'aia Gaddy, Crystian Burnett, and Jordan Burnett; God-sisters Carolyn Glenn Richardson (Bernard), Rovet Scott and Rosalyn Churn (Barry); nieces, nephews and cousins along with a host of other family members and friends. A special acknowledgement we extend to sister-in-law and friend Shirley Gaither. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Leon O'Brien Jackson. A public viewing will be held Today from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit;s. Funeral Services will be Conducted Saturday June 24, 2023 at 11:00 am from Shiloh Baptist Church 916 East 12th Street. The family will receive friends at 10:30am. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.