Sandra S. Pappas

By | March 27, 2017

Sandra S. Pappas, 65 years of age, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at Holzer Medical Center in Jackson, Ohio.

Sandy was born on Jan. 25, 1952 in Connersville, Indiana to the late Estil O’Banion and Phyllis Martindale O’Banion. She was the third of four children, none of whom have preceded her in death.

Sandy attended the old Scioto Elementary School in Jackson and went on to become the Salutatorian of the 1970 graduating class of Jackson High School. From there she received a full scholarship to attend Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors in 1973 while acquiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She later received her Master’s Degree from Ohio University in Educational Administration, with honors.

Throughout her vast career, Sandy was employed at the Columbus School for the Blind, Orient School District, Wellston City Schools, Vinton County Local Schools, and the Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center. During this time she served in the roles of special education teacher, second grade teacher, elementary school principal, grant writer, Title I Coordinator, Director of School Reform, and educational consultant.

Sandy was passionate about education and is known for her dedication to her students, community, and fellow colleagues. She always strived toward excellence in all aspects of her life and has positively impacted many individuals along her path. Sandra served on several teams, committees, and various partnerships committed to improving the education for all children in her rural Appalachian community.

Sandy was a positive force in this world and a beacon of light for many people. She will be remembered fondly for her strength, wisdom, sense of humor, and ability to tell a good story. She had a very comforting and giving nature. She never met a stranger, and always made everybody feel like somebody. She believed her purpose in life was to provide support so others would feel valued and be successful. Above all else, her actions were always based on this purpose. She valued, loved, supported and empowered all those whom she came in contact with. Her signature line on her email read, “Be the gift!” and she certainly was.

Sandy leaves many people behind to cherish her loving memory. She is also survived by her husband, John T. Pappas, along with her children, Kimberly Robbins Arthur (Jaime Arthur), Matthew A. Robbins, and stepdaughter, Tiffany Pappas Paige (Adam Paige). Her precious grandchildren are Hannah Arthur, Lane Arthur, Natalie Arthur, Elizabeth Arthur (Wellston, Ohio), Mattison Robbins (Jackson, Ohio), and Trent Plogher (Orient, Ohio). Her siblings and their spouses are: Dorajo O’Banion Rusincovitch (Jim) of Port Clinton, Ohio; Barbara O’Banion Mullins (Mikeal) of Jackson, Ohio; and Dale O’Banion (Jane) of Austin, Texas, survive her. She will also be cherished by a host of nieces (Heather Mullins Neff), nephews (Dayne and Drew Neff), cousins, and friends.

Visitation for Sandy Pappas will be held from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson on Monday, April 3, 2017. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Janie Karl officiating.

If desired, memorial donations in her honor may be given to the Appalachian Scholars Program at Ohio University. Established in 2006, OHIO’s Appalachian Scholars program is a need-based scholarship initiative that supports high school students from 29 Appalachian counties in Ohio. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com