Sandra Mims Obituary

Sandra Mims SUMMERVILLE - In Loving Memory of Sandra Patricia (Jones) Mims. Sandra Patricia (Jones) Mims passed away peacefully at her home on October 28, 2025. She was born on February 18, 1947, in Sumter, South Carolina, to Uldene (Weatherford) Jones Short (1925-2015) and Leo James Jones (1920-1974). Sandra grew up primarily in North Charleston, later making her homes in Hanahan, Isle of Palms, and finally Summerville, South Carolina. She graduated from Lake City High School, where her beauty, poise, and charm earned her the title of Miss Lake City. After graduation, she followed her creative spirit to Atlanta, where she attended Atlanta College of Art. On March 4, 1968, Sandra married the love of her life, Kenneth L. Mims, Sr. (1945-2020), in North Charleston. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures. They were often seen together on the dance floor, joyfully shagging or jitterbugging to their favorite songs, or at NASCAR races, where Sandra was a devoted fan of the #24 car. Summers often found the family boating along Lowcountry waterways, fishing, relaxing, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Sandra's creative spirit extended to every corner of her life. As a long-time member of the Garden Club of Charleston, she competed in numerous floral design competitions, earning countless awards - especially for her intricate miniature arrangements. A lifelong member of the African Violet Club, Sandra's dedication to the delicate art of growing and showing these blooms even took her as far as Japan for international competitions. She was also an enthusiastic tennis player and fan, playing in leagues for many years and traveling to watch professional tournaments. Through the sport, she formed deep and lasting friendships that enriched her life. Sandra found her faith early in life through her grandfather, a Pentecostal preacher, and later embraced the Episcopal faith while attending services with her daughter at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Summerville. Her faith, creativity, and love of beauty touched everyone who knew her. At the heart of Sandra's life was her family. She was known for making her home warm, welcoming, and full of laughter. She delighted in giving thoughtful - and often humorous - gag gifts, and she loved hosting family gatherings where her southern cooking always took center stage. Her crab dip and Thanksgiving dressing became family legends. Christmas was her favorite season; decorating her trees brought her immense joy and was one of the many ways she expressed her love for her family. To her grandchildren, she was simply "Trish" - a grandmother whose hugs were warm, whose laughter was contagious, and whose love was boundless. Her legacy lives on through them, through every story told and every cherished holiday tradition continued. Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth L. Mims, Sr. (1945-2020), her parents, Leo James Jones and Uldene (Weatherford) Jones Short, and her brother, Hubert Talmadge Jones (1949-2002). She is survived by her son, Kenneth L. Mims, Jr. (Brandi McCool); her daughter, Elizabeth Wood (Robert); her grandchildren, Harold ("Lee"), Christopher, Nicholas (Jamie Roberts), Kenneth ("Alex"), Andrew, and Meagan. A celebration of Sandra's life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Carolina Funeral Home and Gardens in North Charleston, with a viewing at 1:00 p.m. and a service at 2:00 p.m., followed by entombment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization close to her heart. Sandra's life was filled with beauty, laughter, and love. She had an unmatched gift for making those around her feel special, whether through a perfectly arranged flower, a shared dance, or a heartfelt "I love you with all my heart, mind, and soul." She will be remembered as a woman of grace, humor, and deep affection - someone who lived fully, loved fiercely, and left the world brighter than she found it. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston