Sandra Lea Kendrick Mullins

Sandra Lea Kendrick Mullins (“Sandra K.”) passed away at her home in Shawsville after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the age of 81. Sandra was born in Clintwood, Virginia, on November 17, 1944. She graduated from Clintwood High School in 1963 and from Berea College a few years later. After college, she joined the Peace Corps and was stationed in the Philippines, where she taught English. She completed her master’s degree at the University of Virginia. Sandra was a devoted educator in the Dickenson County Public School system, teaching at Longs Fork Elementary for 40 years. Teaching was not a job for her but a passion. She loved every day and every challenge, but most of all, she loved the students and staff. She went the extra mile to make her students feel loved, cherished, and successful. Sandra was a devoted mother, a loyal friend, an avid animal lover, and never missed the opportunity to dance to her favorite music. She had a brilliant smile and filled the world with love and kindness. She was a champion for the underdog, always reaching out to help. She dedicated her life to caring for her family and loved being a mother and grandmother. She was a fiercely independent, opinionated, strong-willed, and determined little woman who left behind a legacy of love and beautiful memories. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Ruth Kendrick; siblings, Denton Kendrick, Helen Delemarre, and Sherlene Solters; the father of her children, Michael G. Mullins; and nephews, Brandon Rowe and Scott Kendrick. She is survived by her daughters, Celeste Mullins of Clintwood, Virginia, and Nicole Mullins Shaffer of Shawsville, Virginia; a special son-in-law, Howey Shaffer; siblings, Gerald Kendrick and Inis Rowe; a special friend, Dale Dotson; mother-in-law, Vonda Taylor; grandchildren, Ivy and Aidan Slemp, Joshua (Whitney) Bise, Hadley (Austin) Bise, Madelyn Hayes, Mason Lewis, Skyler and Destany Shaffer, Cody Mullins; great-grandchildren, Emersyn and Salem Mullins and Gabriel Bise; also a child she raised as her own, Jimmy Buckland who she loved dearly. She leaves behind several nieces, nephews, surrogate children/grandchildren/family, friends, and former students. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The family will receive friends at 12:00 PM, with services following at 1:00 PM at Mullins Funeral Home Chapel in Clintwood, Virginia, conducted by Jeannie Mullins, beloved cousin and friend. Friends and family are welcome to share their fondest memories of Sandra. If you do not wish to speak, we encourage you to email them to info@mullinsfuneralhome.net, and they will be read at the service. It was her wish to be cremated and have her ashes scattered at Birch Knob, in the mountains she loved. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice, perform a random act of kindness, or help a child in need.

Sandra Lea Kendrick Mullins

November 17, 1944 - June 25, 2026