Sandra Meares Obituary

Sandra Meares FOLLY BEACH - Sandra Meares, born Sandra Ann Childers in Gaffney, South Carolina in 1937, died early Wednesday morning, June 28th, in Folly Beach. Sandra married George Arthur Meares, Jr. of Columbia in 1956. Predeceased by sister, Desree Lightle, she is survived by her brother, Bill, two children-Desree and George III-and grandchildren, Chelsea and Max. For decades, Sandra was the matriarch of Group Therapy bar in Columbia, established by her husband. Elegant, graceful and beautiful, Sandra was warm, welcoming and always emotionally supportive to friends and family. Her personality was the only thing that could rival the enormity of the ocean, which may be why she loved her life at the beach so much. A coach, cheerleader, friend and therapist, she often held sessions at the kitchen table or on the porch during happy hour. Sandra was a "safe space" before that was even an expression. Life's problems and anxieties dripped away like the frost from the drinks she poured for her guests. Regardless of how she felt herself, friends were always the priority. Sandra's husband George said he would often come home to someone waiting in the driveway to seize their opportunity for Sandra's wise words, caring advice, or dose of genuine kindness. There was often a "session in progress"; this is how Group Therapy got its name. Sandra was a mother to all and a fierce force when it came to her own children. She was relentlessly protective of her youngest child and deservingly proud of her oldest. She had the most beautiful and intelligent grandchildren the world has ever known-so I'm sorry if you thought yours were! Sandra was every bit the storyteller her husband was, and she was chock full of advice always delivered with compassion and empathy. She patiently tended to all of us and graciously took second chair to her husband. She knew who the real boss was, and-like a true lioness-allowed the lion to strut about. Surviving family members will host a private ceremony in July. Heaven is a little closer in a house by the beach.