Sandra's Beautiful Life
Born on Thursday 8Th June 1944, a beautiful baby to her loving parents Ivy and Raymond Jones. It wasn't long before tragedy struck and Raymond came down with TB and died when Sandra was just 2 years old.
Ivy's family were very close and Sandra was showered with affection from her mother, aunties Nina, Muriel and Betty and uncles Bill, Peter and, in particular Ivy's twin brother Ivor who acted as a father figure to her even though he got into trouble now and again for taking her to see the boxing at Neath Fair which she thoroughly enjoyed. Muriel's husband Ly was also a big influence in Sandra's life with whom she spent many happy hours and who encouraged her early love of singing. Sandra was particularly close to her Nana Owen and spent many hours talking to her, she was also very fond of Raymond's parents Nana and Bampa Jones.
Sandra grew up in a loving environment with lots of friends, two in particular who have remained close for over 60 years, Marlene and Janice.
Sandra met Jim at Tonmawr Rugby Club when she was 21. She often recalled that night when Jim asked to take her home and she accepted thinking he had a mini car, but soon discovered he had a motorbike and after he wiped the condensation off the seat for her to get on she screamed all the way up Pontryhdyfen hill. A whirlwind romance followed and they were married within a year. Jim has never told anyone but he realised he loved her and wanted to spend his life with her when he watched her putting coal on the fire in the house she shared with her mother in Cimla -- he could see she was beautiful inside and out.
At this time Sandra worked in BP Baglan and , due to her outstanding looks, featured in their monthly magazine.
Jim soon realised she was not just a pretty face but had incredible musical talent, probably inherited from her father who had been an internationally recognised cornet player. Sandra never really realised how good a singer she was but her talent was recognised by Huwie Green when she appeared on Opportunity Knocks, which was the X-factor of the day. She left her job at BP to take up a professional career in music, touring most of the UK and finally spending 2 years entertaining in Greece. On her last night in Greece, the hotel owner, who used to always ask Sandra to sing "Believe Me" (I Believe), poured a bottle of champagne at her feet in tribute to her. This was always a special memory of Sandras'.
In 1973 Sandra and Jim took a step back from the entertainment world to start their family. Vanessa was born on 3rd September 1975 and Christopher on 23rd September 1982. Life was complete and Sandra had fulfilled her dreams. She thought the world of her children and was a perfect mother, guiding and helping but letting them be what God intended them to be. Sandra always felt that her children were her greatest achievement in life. To add to her happiness she had three grandchildren, Joseph, James and Jessica who she adored. Sandra lived for her family and nothing was ever too much trouble. She always maintained an extremely close relationship with her mother Ivy who meant the world to her.
Sandra loved God and prayed long and hard for God to change Jim, but when he did no-one was more shocked than Sandra. This changed both their lives dramatically -- a long story!
Before retiring, Sandra spent 15 years as telephonist receptionist at Neath Port Talbot Council where she made many friends.
Sandra was a shining light wherever she went, although she wasn't aware of this. She was loved by so many as she always had time for people and showed a genuine interest in their lives. Anyone who knew Sandra would agree how immaculately turned out she always was. She took great pride in her home and was a wonderful cook, Sunday being a particularly treasured day when the whole family would gather for her legendary lunch. Sandra loved to shop, a passion which she has passed on to her daughter Vanessa with whom she shared many happy days out. In fact, Jim thought the phrase 'shop til you drop' had been invented for Sandra and Vanessa. This tradition has been passed down from Sandra's mother Ivy.
The last time Sandra was at St Theodore's was for the wedding of Chris and Rachelle in August last year where she was surrounded by her family and friends and looked radiant and beautiful.
Sandra was a strong person who always made her own decisions and her family and close friends respected and supported her wishes to the end. She will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.
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Tonna v Tonmawrby davz1992307 views
Thanks Danielle You are so right Sandra taught me so much about love, I was very fortunate to have spent 46 years learning from her. She taught by what she was, not by saying anything.
ynoddfa 1 year ago