Sandra Joy Raines Tackitt, 77

September 9, 1948 – November 30, 2025

Sandra Joy Raines Tackitt, 77, of Saltillo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 9, 1948, to Doc and Elizabeth Stegall Raines, Sandra grew into a woman whose spirit was as bright and steady as her name.

Sandra lived a life shaped by curiosity, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the world around her. She had a remarkable eye for beauty—whether it was a perfectly shaped arrowhead discovered along a muddy creek bank, a blooming flower she had nurtured with patience, or a hidden gem tucked away at a garage sale. She found joy in simple things, and she shared that joy freely with others.

Family was the heartbeat of Sandra’s life. She adored her children Christi Whaley, Sonia Tackett, and Chad Jeter, and she took tremendous pride in the people they became. Her brother Phillip Raines held a special place in her heart, as did each of her grandchildren: Tyler, Hannah, Farrah, Avianna, Chloe, and Michael. Her great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Tyler, brought her endless smiles and stories she loved to tell.

Sandra had a way of making everyone around her feel welcome, understood, and loved. She was the one who remembered birthdays, who called just to check in, who showed up with a helping hand or a warm meal. She carried her family’s history with her, honoring the memory of those who passed before her—her parents; her sister Rose Kontz; and her brothers Bob, Joe, Lesley, Jim, and Junior Raines. Their stories lived on through her.

Those who knew Sandra will remember her laugh—easy and genuine—her gentle honesty, and the way she could turn an ordinary day into something worth remembering. She had a gift for finding value in things others overlooked, and even more so, for finding the best in people.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Associated Family Funeral Home in Tupelo. In honor of Sandra’s simple, joyful spirit, the family asks that everyone attend dressed casually and comfortably—just the way she would have wanted.

Associated Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tackitt family during their time of loss.

Sandra’s presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will continue to bloom in the lives of those who were blessed to know her.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Memorial Service

Wednesday
December 3, 2025
2:00 PM
Associated Family Funeral (Tupelo)