HAMPSTEAD — A kind and Christian gentle soul, a gracious and loving lady, Sandra Martin Taylor, entered the presence of her Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the age of 79.
She was born August 13, 1946 in Mecklenburg County, the daughter of Arlo Gaither Martin and Dorothy Cashion Martin. In addition to her parents, Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Knox Taylor; and sister, Judith Martin Culbreth.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, Anne Taylor Cagwin and her husband, Tim; son, Knox Taylor and his wife, Mollie; grandchildren, Claire Cagwin, Joe Cagwin, Wade Cagwin, Jake Taylor, and Zac Taylor; and many friends.
Sandra was a faithful and active member of Grace Community Church of Topsail where Sandra requested that memorial donations be given toward the construction of their new church.
Sandra grew up in Newton, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Later she received a master’s degree from North Carolina A&T. She was an educator and spent most of her career working in the Pender County school system. She taught computer programming and coordinated the career counseling centers at Pender High School and Topsail High School. She also served as the Director of Career and Technical Education for the entire district, retiring after twenty-five years.
In retirement, Sandra turned her attention to international Christian missions. She loved to travel and minister to people around the world. She visited ten countries as a short-term missionary with the International Messengers organization, participating in evangelistic English language camps, discipleship programs, and ministry training programs. When she was no longer able to travel, she continued a strong teaching and prayer ministry online, encouraging many of the people she had met on her travels. She was an active member of Grace Community Church of Topsail as well.
Sandra also devoted herself to her family, traveling to visit and care for her children and grandchildren, whether near or far. She loved the Lord with all her heart and left her family and friends with a legacy of love, service and vibrant faith.
Flowers are welcome and anyone desiring to make a memorial gift in Sandra’s honor and memory may do so to Grace Community Church of Topsail, PO Box 835, Hampstead, NC 28443 or to International Messenger, 110 Orchard Court, Clear Lake, IA 50428.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
