Early in the morning on November 4, 2023 Mrs. Sandra Lyons Hatmaker passed away peacefully at home with her beloved family by her side. She is survived by her husband of nearly 40 years, Lonnie Hatmaker, her two daughters, Donna Mays and Tracy Monhallan, step-sons David and Andy Hatmaker, son-in-law Kenric Mays, daughter-in-law Audrey Hatmaker, brother Ronald Lyons, sister-in-law Joyce Lyons, special niece and nephew Julie Sommers and David Lyons, 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Sandra was predeceased in death by her mother Wilcher Bell Bohanan Lyons and father Walter Lee Lyons, and Step-Daughter, Beverly Hatmaker. Many knew her by her assistance in the operation of the family business, Lyons Trading Center. 

Mrs. Hatmaker was well known in the community as an over 30 year teacher at Caryville and West LaFollette Elementary Schools. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she started a mentoring program at West LaFollette which became a county wide program called The Alliance for Youth. Sandra also helped with planning and opening a local domestic violence shelter called House of Hope which helped so many women and children through difficult situations. As a result of her service to the community she was honored by being named Campbell County Citizen of the Year in 1999. An honor she proudly accepted.

In the 83 years that Sandra lived she was so many things to so many people. She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, a dedicated educator, but she especially loved her role of grandmother and great-grandmother. Sandra’s compassionate heart, endless energy, big smile, and great sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew her. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice and special caregiver Linda Parks for the loving care she received which enabled her to remain at home with her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Community Health of East Tennessee – Family Services/Domestic Violence Services. https://chetn.org/family-services-center

A special thank you to her best friend Martha Gibson for her many years of undying love and devotion. They shared so many wonderful memories full of friendship, love, loss, and most of all laughter. 

Rest in peace sweet Sandra, we all loved you so much.

Being respectfully of Sandra’s wishes, all ceremonies were held privately.  Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Sandra Lyons Hatmaker.

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