Florence, SC – With profound sadness, the family of Sandra Rae Copeland Matthews  shares  news of her passing on May 23, 2019.

A celebration of Sandra's life will be Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at  Layton-Anderson Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Florence Memorial Gardens.  A time of visitation will be Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Sandra was born in Florence, the daughter of the late Ray Wilbur and Cora Elizabeth Hatchell Copeland.  She lived in Timmonsville until graduating from Timmonsville High School.  Completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Newberry College, she attained a Master of Education degree from Francis Marion College.  Described as a "diligent learner" by her professor,Sandra completed all classes for a doctorate degree in Education Counseling.

With a desire to help young people stay on the right path and find their passion, She worked as a teacher, then counselor at Poynor Jr. High, McCelnaghan and Williams Middle School.  She retired in 2006 after thirty-five years as a devoted educator.

Surviving are her husband of forty-seven years, Derrell Matthews; a son, Steven (Meredith) Matthews and two grandchildren, Elliott Rae and Alma Ripley Matthews; niece, Renee (Matthew) Atkinson Gibson and nephew, Ryan (Wendy) Atkinson and grand-niece and nephews, Finley, Connor, Parker and Shepard Atkinson.   She was preceded in death by sister, Syble Copeland Atkinson.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc., 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl.17, Chicago, Il 60601

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com Layton-Anderson Funeral Home, 4210 W. Palmetto St. Florence, SC 29501