Sandra Yvonne Bladen

Sandra Boykin Bladen was born on October 8, 1952. She was the daughter of the late Ms. Jessie Lee Boykin and James "Ham" Bolton.  She departed this earthly life on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Sandra was educated in the public school system in Richland County, South Carolina. At the age of 16, she graduated as a valedictorian from Hopkins High School in Hopkins, South Carolina. Upon graduating, she received a four-year Choral Scholarship to attend Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She went on to further her education at Atlanta University in Georgia by obtaining her Master’s degree in Mycology. She worked with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for several years as a Laboratory Technician. Sandra later moved to Dallas, Texas and worked as a Laboratory Supervisor at the Dallas County Health and Human Services until she became ill.

On October 14, 1977, Sandra married the late James Douglas Bladen. Together they raised Courtney Ryan Bladen.

In addition to her mother, Sandra was preceded in death by several family members: a sister, Doris Jean Malinda Randolph; two brothers, Richard Ervin Boykin Sr. and Marvin Tyrone Boykin Sr.; a sister-in-law, Clara Mae Bladen; and a brother-in-law, Ernest Bladen.

Left to mourn the passing of Sandra is her precious son, Courtney Ryan Bladen; four sisters, Margaret Louise Baker, Terry Elaine Boykin, Carolyn Mellisa Lloyd, and Stephanie Michelle Small; a brother, Charlie Alvin Boykin; three sisters-in-law, Bobbie Bowens, Ella Faye Richardson, and Sandra Ruffin Boykin; a brother-in-law, Billy Earl Bladen; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; all of whom will miss her dearly.

A homegoing service for Sandra will be held 10 A.M., Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Interment will follow in Ward Cemetery in the Ridge Community of Leon County, Texas.

Arrangements are entrusted to Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.