of Conway, AR
October 12, 1951 - January 21, 2016
Sandra Kay Potter Mason, 64 of Conway, Arkansas, the world's greatest mother, passed away on January 21, 2016. We know she was welcomed at the pearly gates by her loved ones and her beloved rat terrier, Max.
She was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas, on October 12, 1951 to the late Lola Marie Stark Potter and Floyd Earl Potter. Her parents immediately decided to have only one child as Sandy was simply perfection. Her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri and she graduated from Central High School in 1969. She enjoyed lifelong friendships with her St. Louis classmates, especially Sabra, Bob, and John.
She attended the University of Central Arkansas, earning her Bachelor of Science of Education and Masters of School Administration degrees. She taught in the Conway Public School District for 33 years, retiring in 2014. She truly enjoyed being a teacher, each new year and new class and especially the yearly owl pellet dissection. Her kind, generous and loving heart enriched more lives than she ever knew.
She was the President of the Alpha Iota Conclave of Kappa Kappa Iota and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She was included in Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 1996 and 2005/2006. She made many quilts for her friends and was awarded Best in Show/First Place at the 2004 Faulkner County Fair and First Place at the 2004 Arkansas State Fair. She was honored to be chosen as influential in the life and education of Matthew Sweere at the 2015 Arkansas Governor's School.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lola Marie Stark Potter; her maternal grandparents Belle Crockett Stark and Domer Stark; her paternal grandparents Liddie Turney Potter and Earl Potter.
She leaves behind one daughter, Teresa Kay Mason, who now has a piece of her heart in heaven. She also leaves behind many friends, especially the two who were the sisters she never had - Debbie Moore and Susan Lawrence. Her much loved pets, Lucy, Annie and Lil Bit, are inconsolable without her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Conway Animal Welfare, Fairfield Bay Animal Protection League or Rescue Waggin PetSmart Charity.
A time of visitation will be held on Monday January 25, 2016 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway from 6-8pm. Graveside services will be held at 1pm, Tuesday January 26, 2016 at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway.
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32 Condolence(s)
Michael Shairrick
Monday, February 1, 2016
Sandy was a good friend. I did yard work for her and other handy jobs. I will miss sitting and talking with her and drinking ice tea. She made me fell like a part of her circle of friends not just a hired hand. She had a heart of gold and was very thoughtful. I am glad she was in my life and I will always miss her. Michael
Kerri Arn Whitfield
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Thinking of you. You're in our prayers.
Kerri
Christie Robinette Brinsfield
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
So many memories of growing up across the street fromSandy, Mike and Teresa. Little yappy dogs- I remember Gertrude!, prairie dogs- who else has pet prairie dogs â˜ºï¸ and all the sweet tea you could ever want. Thinking of Sandy always puts a smile on my face, and will continue to do so.
Sheila Connerly
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
You will be greatly missed!!
Sue Farris
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and her school family.
Carla Bentley
Monday, January 25, 2016
My husband Sam and I own Make A Meal here in Conway. Sandy was known to us as the pimento cheese lady. We had to make sure we had pimento cheese made just in case she came in. We usually saw her at least once a week. Even though we knew nothing about her, she became a friend we looked forward to seeing each week. We are saddened by her passing but are honored that we could make her day a bit more pleasant with homemade pimento cheese. Peace and love to her family.
Mallory Barham
Monday, January 25, 2016
You will be missed Mrs. Mason!
Brandon Barham
Monday, January 25, 2016
Mrs. Mason, you were a good teacher and it was evident that you cared about education and your students. You will be missed.
Karen Potter Murphy
Monday, January 25, 2016
Sandy brought a special joy to her parents, grandparents, and the entire Potter and Stark families. We are so proud of her legacy of education. She joined many other educators in the family. She will be sorely missed by family, friends and former students, but especially by her daughter, Teresa. Praying for peace and comfort for all her family.
Karen Potter Murphy
Bob Barham
Monday, January 25, 2016
Ms. Mason taught both of my kids over the years and they loved her. When I informed them that she had passed away, they were both very saddened by the news. I remember speaking with Sandra at parent/teacher and she always took the time to compliment any progress made by my kids. I would always say "Ms. Mason, if he/she made progress, that's because they have a good teacher!"
Ethan Dolan
Monday, January 25, 2016
Ms. Mason was SUCH a great teacher-- I'll remember her dedication and love for her students, including myself during my third grade year. Her humor brought up everyone's day and her smile made you do nothing but smile right back! I'm praying for comfort in this situation, the joy of The Lord through this storm, and the peace that passes all understanding for her family!
Bob Juengst
Monday, January 25, 2016
Teresa,
Your mom is going to be missed by many. She loved teaching, her students, her rescued pets, and most of all YOU. I will miss emailing her and being beat by her in Words With Friends, When I went to college in my 40's she tutored me in English (those of us from North St Louis needed help with that)! I am sure you will have plenty of fond memories to talk about in the next couple of day and that is what she would want you to do. I know I have been remembering some of the times me and her shared.
On a side note do you think she has planned a "road trip" yet? I am pretty sure you know what I am referencing!
Karen Matthews
Sunday, January 24, 2016
I was lucky to work with Sandy. I will always remember her sense of humour, winning smile, and love of teaching and children. She will be missed!
Jennifer Pierce
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Teresa,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I had the privilege of getting to know her when I substituted at Woodrow Cummins. She also taught two of my boys when they were in 4th grade and they bothed loved her dearly. She truly had a compassionate heart for children and animals. She will be forever missed.
Debbie Jones
Sunday, January 24, 2016
My son, Stuart, was in Mrs. Mason's class about 22 years ago. She was just what he needed at the time. She will be sorely missed. Praying happy memories bring comfort to her family and friends.
Cecil Boothe
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Sandy and worked together for 13 years and I always enjoyed being around her. She had a quick sense of humor and was a dedicated teacher. She always did what she thought was best for children and was very "giving". She loved teaching. More important, she was a good friend.
Cecil Boothe
Mae Dean Churchill
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Esther Schultz
Sunday, January 24, 2016
I was lucky enough to work with this sweet lady and blessed to call her my friend. I will miss her so much! I know that she has impacted so many children with her passion for knowledge and her love of her students. We will all miss her!
We'll be praying for you Teresa.
Susan Hampton
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Teresa,
Sandy was a wonderful teacher to my children, and a funny, caring person I was blessed to count as a friend. I'm praying that God will surround you with his grace and comfort, and bless you with many great memories of your precious mother.
Holley Shettles Strandlund
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Teresa,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of your mom. She had such a way of making everyone feel special. She was a very special lady!
Praying and thinking of you,
Holley
Elizabeth Majors Langrell
Saturday, January 23, 2016
I was blessed to have Mrs. Mason as my Third grade teacher. I truly loved her. I know she has blessed many lives in her years of teaching. She will be sorely missed.
Becky (Battles) Sindle
Saturday, January 23, 2016
20 years ago Ms Mason taught me the phases of the moon. I remember every detail of that lesson because it was fascinating. To this day, I look up at the moon and can identify its phase and know what will come next. I think of her each time I do. Not much else I remember specifically from the classroom 20 years ago, but then again not many teachers had that kind of impact on their students. Thank you Ms Mason. The moon is shining bright for you.
Hannah Moore
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Mrs. Mason was a pretty great teacher. She was a lot more influential than she knew. Me and many other classmates are definitely gonna miss her. I hope she meets her creator with opened arms at the gates of Heaven❤️❤️
Judith
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Sending love and prayers as you go through this time.
Judith
Kathi Sweere
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Teresa,
I am honored and blessed to have called your mother a friend for many years. Words cannot express how much I will miss her and her humorous texts, letters, phone calls, and emails of encouragement. I will miss her mischievous grin and her advice when we went out to eat lunch. I will miss her secretive way of sneaking supplies into a school child’s desk so the student would not be embarrassed by doing without. Most of all I will miss her wonderful Christian influence on my children, especially my son Matthew. She meant the world to us and she will be truly missed.
Julie Palmer kimbrell
Saturday, January 23, 2016
What an amazing teacher! My daughter Lauryn was so blessed to have you in 4th grade at Woodrow Cummins. Thank you for all you have done for so many children! God bless Ms. Mason!
Melynda Shook Hardin
Saturday, January 23, 2016
One of my most favorite teachers ever...
Influenced me more than she knew...
Laura Thomas
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Teresa,
We are thinking of you and are sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was an outstanding person and positively affected so many students in Conway.
Mark and Laura Thomas
Becky Montgomery
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Praying for the wonderful family you left behind. You will be missed for you were truly loved.
Becky OHeron
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Teresa - My thoughts and prayers are for comfort and peace for you. Just know that you were the best thing that ever happened to your Mom, and the love and care you gave her enabled her to have a peaceful final journey. Sorry that we can't be there with you, but know that we are in spirit. Love to you.
Susan Lawrence
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Sandy,
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend. I will always remember the wonderful times you, Debbie and I have shared. Thank you also for being such a wonderful teacher to my Julia. She will always remember you and the wonderful education you gave her. Both of my children love and miss their Aunt Sandy very much.
Love Always,
Susan, Ryan and Julia
Susan Birdsong
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Dear Teresa,
I am keeping you in my prayers. I feel blessed to have worked with your mom and to call her friend. She was one of the most caring and funny ladies I've known. She will be missed!
God bless you,
Susan Birdsong