of Little Rock, AR
April 8, 1945 - August 26, 2025
Sandra Kay (Douglas) Dannaway died peacefully on August 26th after a lengthy illness. She was born on April 8, 1945 in Columbus, MS, the only child of P.L. and Alleen Douglas. She grew up in Starkville, MS, graduating from Starkville High School in 1963. In high school, she was a majorette and bass clarinetist with the SHS band, editor-in-chief of the yearbook and member of the National Honor Society and Quill and Scroll.
She attended the Universities of Mississippi and Colorado and graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in speech and history. She was a member of Phi Mu sorority and the collegiate debate team. She earned a second undergraduate degree in education and social studies at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She later completed a Master of Arts degree in criminal justice from UALR.
After stints as a teacher in Atlanta, Georgia and Little Rock, she began working in the registrar's office at UALR. Over the next three decades, she rose to become the director of that office, mentoring several young staff members and assisting hundreds of students. After retiring, she dedicated herself to improving the lives of families of children with autism spectrum disorder, culminating in her role as a board member of the Tyler Dannaway Foundation. She continued her advocacy despite her cancer diagnoses and served as an inspiration to all who knew her.
Despite her successes in those fields, she considered motherhood as her primary calling in life. In this capacity, she served as a paradigm of maternal grace. Friends of hers were known to comment that should they be reincarnated, they would want to come back as one of her children.
Now able to drink her Diet Dr. Peppers, listen to Elvis and watch "The Sound of Music" for all eternity, she was predeceased by her parents as well as her grandson, Tyler Dannaway. Survivors include Jan Dannaway and her husband of 58 years; her two sons, Doug Dannaway (and his wife, Carrie) of Edmond, Oklahoma and Steve Dannaway (and his wife, Teresa) of Benton, Arkansas; her two granddaughters, Shannon and Kaylin Dannaway; her deeply close friend, Scott Brook of Little Rock and her canine companion, Andy. These are in addition to scores of friends and others whom she influenced and mentored throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tyler Dannaway Foundation.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Funeral will be 10:30am Wednesday, September 3, 2025 in the Chapel of Roller-Chenal with burial to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.
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19 Condolence(s)
Patricia Gray
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
I am so sorry to learn of Sandra's passing. We grew up together and were sorority sisters in college. She was always so kind and supportive of others. I know she had her won health struggles for several years but she never failed to offer encouragement to others. As much as she will be missed, it is comforting to know that her loving Tyler is joyfully welcoming her to her eternal home.
Mary Parker and Dale Reed
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May the small beautiful things you see everyday bring a smile to your face when you remember Sandra!
Elizabeth Skinner
Monday, September 1, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mrs. Dannaway was a good and caring person with a huge heart. I am grateful to know her and will miss her until we meet again.
Linda J Siska
Monday, September 1, 2025
Brent Wood
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Steve,
Your mom was loved deeply. My heartfelt condolences are with you and your family. Sending healing prayers and comfort. I cannot imagine the pain and heartache. I am praying for your peace. There is no one in this world like her. She was a special person, an amazing mentor, and will always be with you. It was such a privilege and honor to work with her in the college years. She was an incredibly smart and thoughtful woman. May her memory live on forever.
Peace be with you,
Brent
Beth & Mike Taylor
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Our prayers are with the entire family…Praying for peace & comfort. Sandra, I have fond memories of you & I enjoying lunch & speaking about each of our “Grands!!” We know you & Tyler are surely having a great time together!! You have always been such a blessing & inspiration!
Resting in the Peace of Christ,
Beth & Mike Taylor
Bettye Eshenroder
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Carrie. Your family is so special. I know your kids will miss their grandma. I didn’t know your husband but blessings to him & to you. You were always one of my “special” girls.
Vena stubbs
Saturday, August 30, 2025
So sorry to hear of Sandra passing. What amazing lady she was. I feel lucky to have known her. Her shining personality will live on. I know she and Tyler are having a party. When she , Jan and Steve would come in the Bank where I worked, we would have a good visit. She was a very special lady. God bless you all.
Angela Sewall
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Sandra’s death is a great loss to all who knew her. May she find peace and joy in her eternal life.
Vincent and Toni Chiaro
Saturday, August 30, 2025
So sorry to hear of the passing of Sandra. Please know that you will be in our prayers and thoughts. Vince and Toni Chiaro Family.
Jim & Ann Green
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Jan & Family,
So sorry for your loss.
Praying that God will fill your burdened heart with precious memories of those happy days with Sandy, Mom, & Nana.
Sandra has been a special part of my life & that of my family for almost my entire life.
She is missed & there will always be a void until we meet again.
In our prayers.
Jim & Ann
Kimberly Mitteer
Friday, August 29, 2025
You proved that a heart can be sadden and rejoice at the same time! Sadden because we want be able to see you and rejoicing because we know you are with Tyler. When I think about that reunion it's hard not to smile! We love you, till we meet again!
Glenda
Friday, August 29, 2025
Sandy
I wish I had the words to say how much you will be missed. I treasured our friendship and the fun lunches we had. My heart is happy though because I know you are Tyler are having a big celebration.
Love always
Glenda and Ruby
Shameka Jackson
Friday, August 29, 2025
You will be missed. Thank you for being a sweet person.
The Lowery's
Friday, August 29, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Gail Wilson
Friday, August 29, 2025
What a sweet and precious lady. I was so blessed to have the opportunity to know her and work alongside her with the TD Foundation. Her personality and love for others was evident in all she did. My only regret is that I only knew Sandra in her later years when she was ill, but still blessed by her presence. She will be missed. Love you Sandra.
Carla Donahue
Friday, August 29, 2025
You will be greatly missed. Saturday's won't be the same without you and Andy.
Joanne Matson
Friday, August 29, 2025
May her memory be a blessing. Sandra, I have good memories of working with you and Jan. Those were the good old days at UALR. Jan, I hope you are doing well.
Joanne
Sonny and Constance Shinn
Friday, August 29, 2025
There no greater place than where you are now. We love this family so much god bless