Dr. Sandra Jean (Holmes) Tinsley passed away after a long illness on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, at the age of 83. She was a National Merit Scholar, and held Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from SMSU (long before it was MSU) and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Arkansas. She was a life-long educator, having taught in schools ranging from small country schoolhouses to Universities like Drury and MSU. At various times she taught English and Spanish, but the majority of her career was spent teaching classes in the field of education and supervising student teachers. She married her husband Morris Tinsley, in 1959, and they spent the next 62 years of their lives together. She loved to travel, paint, and research her family history and genealogy. She was active at South Street Christian Church, where she spent several years as an elder in the church and also taught Sunday school classes. She also loved to write. Whether it was writing short essays, lessons for Sunday School, or articles for local magazines, she spent many hours researching and composing in front of her computer keyboard. Sandra’s family is very grateful for all the help and support given by many friends, relatives and neighbors throughout her long illness.
Sandra was predeceased by her parents, Dr. James and Hazel Holmes; and her sister, Jan Holmes; as well as sisters-in-law, Lucille Jones and Harlene Stanfill; and nephew, Keith Jones. She leaves behind her husband, Morris Tinsley, and her son and daughter-in law, Charles and Catherine Tinsley; as well as grandchildren, Tom, Ben and Violet; and her great-grandchild, Brantley. Additionally, the family will enjoy telling stories about Sandra to her future great-grandchild, which Tom and his wife, Sammi, are expecting this summer. She is also survived by her niece, Lynette Arnall and her husband, Rich; and nephew, Gary Jones and his wife, Lois. Visitation for Sandra Tinsley was held Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, from 12:30-2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville. Funeral services followed the visitation at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Russell McDarris officiating. Song selection was “How Great Thou Art” sung by Dr. Mark and the Rev. Janet Givens. Ben Brentlinger, Glen Day, Steve Day, Basil Quessenberry, Dr. Steve Armstrong and James Garver served as pallbearers. Burial was in Green Valley Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer for donations to be made to Green Valley Cemetery. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
