Sandra Kirby Brookshier

Sandra Kirby Brookshier, 62, of Bedford passed away on Monday, June 8, 2015 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born on June 14, 1952 in Bedford County, a daughter of the late Marvin Lindbergh Kirby, Sr. and Iris Owen Kirby of Huddleston. In addition to her parents, Sandra was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Alesa Brookshier Neal.

Sandra was a dedicated teacher in the Bedford County School System for over 35 years where she impacted many students in the local community. Education was her passion, second only to her family. She was a very strong willed, loving and compassionate wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed sewing, photography and volunteering for local outreach and cancer associations throughout her community. She and her husband Donnie were co-owners of Brookshier International LLC and Forget-Me-Not Antiques. She was loved by so many and will be missed by all that knew her.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 33 years, Larry “Donnie” Brookshier; three children, Todd Brookshier and his wife, Page of Richmond, Ryan Overstreet and his wife, Mary Beth of Bedford and Leigh Overstreet Rittenhouse and her husband, Brian of Charlotte, NC; a son-in-law, Jeff P. Neal of Roanoke; five grandchildren, Lexie Neal, Savannah Neal, Grady Brookshier, Eli Brookshier and Ana Rose Rittenhouse; two brothers, Marvin (Lynn) Kirby, Jr. and his wife, Debbie of Huddleston and Ivan Karl Kirby and fiancée, Dawn Rice of Huddleston; also numerous nieces, nephews, many friends and her special kitty, Day-Day.

The family requests those wishing to make memorial contributions to please consider the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Rd., Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018, Relay For Life or any charities of your preference that serve in the fight against the battle of cancer.

The family would like to express their gratitude to each of the doctors and nursing staff throughout Central Virginia for their love, compassion and care for Sandra and her family during her most courageous battle with breast cancer. Most notably, the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, Blue Ridge Cancer Center, Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and many more. Also a special thanks to the staff and students of the Bedford Middle School for their support.  She couldn’t have faced this fight without you.

A service and celebration of Sandra’s life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Tharp Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Troy Keaton officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford.