Sandra Gibson Manuel
October 24, 1952 – October 18, 2022
Sandra (Sandy) Russell (Gibson) Manuel of Bowie, passed away at the age of 69 on October 18, 2022. She was born in Prince Frederick, MD on October 24, 1952 to Harold Leslie Gibson and Verna Llewella (Russell) Gibson. Sandy grew up on the family tobacco farm in Huntingtown, Maryland. Family was her source of love and gratitude.
Sandy graduated from Calvert High School, In the Know and On the Go we are the Class of 70. She developed many lifelong friends from her roots in Calvert County. They continued to stay connected and enjoyed many lunches and social gatherings throughout the years. Their roots grew deep. She worked and pursued her higher education attending Prince George’s Community College. Sandy graduated with an Associates in Arts on May 23,1981.
Sandy started her federal tenure in 1970 at the Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD). She advanced as a budget analyst during her employment with the General Services Administration (GSA). Sandra met her love of her life and soul mate at GSA, and they married on her favorite island in Hawaii. Their love for one another was unmeasurable. She retired from the federal government with 38 years of service.
Sandy was a very accomplished artist. She mastered many medias from pen, pencil, oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolors. Her home in Bowie displays many of her talents in “Sandra’s Gallery”. She loved traveling and after retirement she and Bill visited many of her favorite places, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Canada, Italy, Aruba, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal and Greece. She captured so many of these memories through her beautiful framed watercolors.
She was a voracious reader and especially enjoyed reading her books while sitting on a beach, under an umbrella, surrounded by friends and family while enjoying a panoramic sunset. She was a fantastic solver of crossword puzzles. Her favorite was the Washington Post. She was always up to the challenge and would fill all of those empty squares with correct words. She was a walking thesaurus. We always would ask her, “How do you spell that?”
Her Calvert County upbringing made her love of crabs and refreshments a steadfast must for any outdoor function. Sandy’s other love was dancing and music. She enjoyed many birthdays, wedding, anniversary celebrations out on the dance floor. Her family and friends would be out there on the floor enjoying the music and rhythm with her. So many great memories were made over the years. Her music tastes were eclectic. She enjoyed opera, jazz, blues, country, rock n roll but mostly those great groups from the 60’s and 70’s!
Sandy was our mentor in keeping in shape. She pursued many outdoors sports and other exercise classes. A good walk would put a smile on her face. She took ballet and tap dance in her early years. Then after retirement she rekindled the passion. She didn’t let age stop her. She was the most beautiful and talented tap dancer you every saw!
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Llewella Gibson, her sister V. Linnae O’Neill, and by two brothers, Robert Gibson and Gregory Gibson. She is survived by her beloved husband Clarence William “Bill” Wells, her brother Terry Gibson and wife Mary Ellen and her sister Leslie Groom and husband James Groom. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Donna Lloyd (Allen), stepson Jason Wells (Blythe), grandchildren Abigail and Samuel, and by numerous loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, and one great-great nephew.
Visitation
Saturday, October 22, 2022
10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Services
- Funeral Service
Saturday, October 22, 2022
11:30 A.M.
Interment
- Private
Contributions
Hospice of the Chesapeake
90 Ritchie Highway
Pasadena, MD 21122
410-987-2003
Condolences
Sort Comments
18 Oct 2022
6:22pm
Sandy was always positive and up for a good time. Her smile will be missed by many, many friends.
City
Orlando
State
Florida
18 Oct 2022
7:50pm
She is a bright light that will be missed.
City
Owings
State
Md
18 Oct 2022
8:09pm
Bill and Family, so sorry to hear about “our girl” Sandy’s passing. She was a beautiful woman, friend and neighbor. May she rest in perfect peace.
City
Bowie
State
Md
18 Oct 2022
8:09pm
BILL: U have shown so much love for Sandy and we are sure you will miss her forever. U have been a great husband! 🙏
DANA and Family: Aunt Sandy has been a Great Aunt and Friend to ALL of U. We know she will be missed by ALL!🙏
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
18 Oct 2022
9:09pm
Dear Bill and family, Please accept our humble and heartfelt condolences. I think of you both often and will continue to do so. Sandy will be greatly missed by so many people. Love to you both of you at this heart wrenching time.💜. Susan and Dan Berry
City
Winter Garden
State
Florida
19 Oct 2022
10:22am
A beautiful soul taken way to soon. She is wrapped in the loving arms of God and surrounded by angels. Take comfort in the beautiful memories you’ve made together. Her love of art will continue in our sky.
City
Mechanicsville
State
MD
19 Oct 2022
10:28am
Bill and family, Lou and I send our heartfelt condolences to you all. We didn’t see Sandy often enough, but when we did she amazed us. No matter the circumstances she always had a smile on her face.
Bill, you did a wonderful job loving and caring for her.
City
Dunkirk
State
MD
19 Oct 2022
11:42am
Hello Bill and Good Morning, Martha and I are thinking of you and offer our sincerest condolences on the loss of Sandy. We feel fortunate to have such good next door neighbors. Feel free to knock on our door anytime.
Take Care, Pat and Martha
City
Bowie
State
Maryland
19 Oct 2022
2:30pm
Sandy and I were related, we never figured out the whole family tree, but we never failed to greet each other with Hi Cuz! She was a great person, I have so many good memories through the years. She will be greatly missed by all.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
19 Oct 2022
2:43pm
Hello Bill,
I’m so sorry to hear about Sandy’s passing. You, your family, and her family will be in prayers. If there is anything you need from your old work team don’t hesitate to call. We are here for you Bill!!!!
City
washington
State
dc
19 Oct 2022
3:08pm
Sandy was the sweetest and had the best laugh. I’ll always remember how welcoming she and Bill were when I was a quiet newbie at the General Services Administration 26 years ago.
City
Arlington
State
VA
19 Oct 2022
3:12pm
Bill,
Cyndi and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sandy was such a ray of light and will greatly be missed. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending heartfelt prayers to you and your family.
City
Alexandria
State
Virginia
19 Oct 2022
4:28pm
Growing up 8/10ths of a mile from her house (in Calvert County of the 50’s, that’s next door) I practically lived with the Gibsons. Sandra and I were constant companions. I learned everything about real farm living and couldn’t get enough. I always felt she and I were like sisters only we never fought! Even though she and I went our separate ways, I will always be grateful for her friendship and her family.
Laura McQuinn Kratz
City
Owings
State
MD
19 Oct 2022
9:21pm
Sandy was my friend from school. I am blessed to have been able to be reconnected in life after a class reunion and through the girls’ luncheons. Sandy, thank you for being a friend.
My condolences to her family.
City
Mesquite
State
Nevada
20 Oct 2022
12:29am
Bill and Family- we are are extremely sad today because our bright light has been extinguished. She showed so much courage throughout her illness, surgeries and treatments but continued to share her zest for life with everyone. She was such a blast to party with and we always had such great fun. She will be missed by all who knew her. Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the family. I am having surgery on October 20th so will be unable to attend the service but I will be thinking of her on Saturday.
City
Prince Frederick
State
MD
20 Oct 2022
12:03pm
Bill and family,
Our deepest sympathies goes to you and all of Sandy’s family. Sandy was a true fighter and always upbeat with that lovely smile and positive energy. I’ll always remember her saying “Hi babe” whenever we met up at one of the many parties and gatherings at Dana’s. Also, all the special memories of our times in Hawaii.
Please know you are in our prayers and we will be thinking of you this Saturday.
City
Fort Lauderdale
State
FL
20 Oct 2022
1:31pm
Dear Bill and Family,
We are very sorry to hear about Sandy’s passing. Sandy was such a wonderful person. She always had such a warm and welcoming smile and always brightened up working at GSA . Our deepest sympathy to you all.
City
Vienna
State
VA
21 Oct 2022
11:03am
Sandy always had a sweet smile in school while I was there. She will be missed by many. To Leslie and her family, I am so sorry for your loss. She fought a hard battle and now is no longer in pain. A new star will be shining in the sky for all to see.
City
Atlanta
State
Georgia
21 Oct 2022
11:22am
Bill and family, I send heart hugs to each of you on the passing of dear sweet Sandy. Bill thank you for being her rock. Dana, thank you for being the angel that you are to her. I feel like I could write a book but will try to keep it short. Sandy and I attended school and graduated together, carpooled and worked together at HUD. Her Uncle also worked there and he chauffered us around in his long black cadillac as we girls sat in the back seat perfecting our pageant wave to anyone on the street. I like to think they. looked at us like we were celebrities. I have enough memories to last a lifetime and I will hold them in my heart forever. May you rest in perfect peace.
Zeta Brady
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
21 Oct 2022
3:43pm
So sorry to hear that Sandy has passed this life and into the next! I had the pleasure of seeing her along with other “farm friends” when I would visit. My prayer is for her family and friends find comfort in all your loving memories (I know there are many) and keep them close in your heart! Rest well beautiful lady !!
City
Myrtle Beach
State
SC
21 Oct 2022
3:51pm
Bill, We share your sorrow at the loss of Sandy. She was a bright light wherever she went. Wishing you and all the family peace & comfort. Joanne & Bucky
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
21 Oct 2022
7:50pm
Dear Bill and family,
I am sorry to hear of Dandy’s passing. My prayers and sincere condolences to you and the extender family.
City
Prince Frederick
State
Maryland
22 Oct 2022
3:59pm
Sandy had such a beautiful soul. Free spirited with a beautiful smile. Anyone that was in her presence was blessed to have her in their lives. She was such a free spirited good woman with a big heart. I’m so sorry for your loss Bill. Sending prayers and condolences to you and extended family. Sincerely, Heather Lee
City
Baltimore
State
Maryland
6 Nov 2022
3:06pm
I grew up with the Gibson family. I always loved Sandra’s big smile. My sister Marlene was a good friend of Sandra. Bobby, a brother always kept us laughing. I think I remember attending one of their class get togethers.
City
Owings
State
Maryland
Sort Comments
Sandy was always positive and up for a good time. Her smile will be missed by many, many friends.
She is a bright light that will be missed.
Bill and Family, so sorry to hear about “our girl” Sandy’s passing. She was a beautiful woman, friend and neighbor. May she rest in perfect peace.
BILL: U have shown so much love for Sandy and we are sure you will miss her forever. U have been a great husband! 🙏
DANA and Family: Aunt Sandy has been a Great Aunt and Friend to ALL of U. We know she will be missed by ALL!🙏
Dear Bill and family, Please accept our humble and heartfelt condolences. I think of you both often and will continue to do so. Sandy will be greatly missed by so many people. Love to you both of you at this heart wrenching time.💜. Susan and Dan Berry
A beautiful soul taken way to soon. She is wrapped in the loving arms of God and surrounded by angels. Take comfort in the beautiful memories you’ve made together. Her love of art will continue in our sky.
Bill and family, Lou and I send our heartfelt condolences to you all. We didn’t see Sandy often enough, but when we did she amazed us. No matter the circumstances she always had a smile on her face.
Bill, you did a wonderful job loving and caring for her.
Hello Bill and Good Morning, Martha and I are thinking of you and offer our sincerest condolences on the loss of Sandy. We feel fortunate to have such good next door neighbors. Feel free to knock on our door anytime.
Take Care, Pat and Martha
Sandy and I were related, we never figured out the whole family tree, but we never failed to greet each other with Hi Cuz! She was a great person, I have so many good memories through the years. She will be greatly missed by all.
Hello Bill,
I’m so sorry to hear about Sandy’s passing. You, your family, and her family will be in prayers. If there is anything you need from your old work team don’t hesitate to call. We are here for you Bill!!!!
Sandy was the sweetest and had the best laugh. I’ll always remember how welcoming she and Bill were when I was a quiet newbie at the General Services Administration 26 years ago.
Bill,
Cyndi and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sandy was such a ray of light and will greatly be missed. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending heartfelt prayers to you and your family.
Growing up 8/10ths of a mile from her house (in Calvert County of the 50’s, that’s next door) I practically lived with the Gibsons. Sandra and I were constant companions. I learned everything about real farm living and couldn’t get enough. I always felt she and I were like sisters only we never fought! Even though she and I went our separate ways, I will always be grateful for her friendship and her family.
Laura McQuinn Kratz
Sandy was my friend from school. I am blessed to have been able to be reconnected in life after a class reunion and through the girls’ luncheons. Sandy, thank you for being a friend.
My condolences to her family.
Bill and Family- we are are extremely sad today because our bright light has been extinguished. She showed so much courage throughout her illness, surgeries and treatments but continued to share her zest for life with everyone. She was such a blast to party with and we always had such great fun. She will be missed by all who knew her. Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the family. I am having surgery on October 20th so will be unable to attend the service but I will be thinking of her on Saturday.
Bill and family,
Our deepest sympathies goes to you and all of Sandy’s family. Sandy was a true fighter and always upbeat with that lovely smile and positive energy. I’ll always remember her saying “Hi babe” whenever we met up at one of the many parties and gatherings at Dana’s. Also, all the special memories of our times in Hawaii.
Please know you are in our prayers and we will be thinking of you this Saturday.
Dear Bill and Family,
We are very sorry to hear about Sandy’s passing. Sandy was such a wonderful person. She always had such a warm and welcoming smile and always brightened up working at GSA . Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Sandy always had a sweet smile in school while I was there. She will be missed by many. To Leslie and her family, I am so sorry for your loss. She fought a hard battle and now is no longer in pain. A new star will be shining in the sky for all to see.
Bill and family, I send heart hugs to each of you on the passing of dear sweet Sandy. Bill thank you for being her rock. Dana, thank you for being the angel that you are to her. I feel like I could write a book but will try to keep it short. Sandy and I attended school and graduated together, carpooled and worked together at HUD. Her Uncle also worked there and he chauffered us around in his long black cadillac as we girls sat in the back seat perfecting our pageant wave to anyone on the street. I like to think they. looked at us like we were celebrities. I have enough memories to last a lifetime and I will hold them in my heart forever. May you rest in perfect peace.
Zeta Brady
So sorry to hear that Sandy has passed this life and into the next! I had the pleasure of seeing her along with other “farm friends” when I would visit. My prayer is for her family and friends find comfort in all your loving memories (I know there are many) and keep them close in your heart! Rest well beautiful lady !!
Bill, We share your sorrow at the loss of Sandy. She was a bright light wherever she went. Wishing you and all the family peace & comfort. Joanne & Bucky
Dear Bill and family,
I am sorry to hear of Dandy’s passing. My prayers and sincere condolences to you and the extender family.
Sandy had such a beautiful soul. Free spirited with a beautiful smile. Anyone that was in her presence was blessed to have her in their lives. She was such a free spirited good woman with a big heart. I’m so sorry for your loss Bill. Sending prayers and condolences to you and extended family. Sincerely, Heather Lee
I grew up with the Gibson family. I always loved Sandra’s big smile. My sister Marlene was a good friend of Sandra. Bobby, a brother always kept us laughing. I think I remember attending one of their class get togethers.