Sandra Jean “Sandy” Warren, 84, went home to be with her Lord on September 1, 2026.

Sandy was born Sandra Jean Whittington on April 6, 1942, in Tulare, California, to Leonard Whittington and Grace Reed Whittington. She was raised in Stamford, Texas, before moving to Abilene, where she graduated from Abilene High School. During her school years, Sandy was actively involved in choir, Student Council, and Future Homemakers of America. Faith was an important part of her life from an early age, and she grew up actively involved in church.

Following high school, Sandy attended Gail College of Business, where she studied shorthand and typing. She later went to work for the City of Abilene as secretary for the Planning and Zoning Department.

On March 17, 1961, Sandy married the love of her life, Don Paul Warren, at Trinity Baptist Church in Abilene. Together they shared more than 43 years of marriage before Don’s passing on November 26, 2004. Sandy faithfully supported Don throughout his service in the United States Army, embracing life as an Army wife and homemaker as their family traveled the world and called places such as Japan and Hawaii home.

Following Don’s military service, the family returned home to Abilene. Sandy eventually turned one of her greatest talents into a career as a gifted cake decorator, working for many years before retiring from Snow White Bakery. Her talent, however, extended far beyond her professional work. There was hardly a family member or friend who did not receive a birthday cake, wedding cake, or other special creation made by Sandy. For her, baking was more than something she was good at. It was one of the many ways she showed people how deeply she cared for them.

Christmas at Sandy’s meant a kitchen full of fudge, candies, baked goods, and enough homemade treats to seemingly feed the entire town. She loved hosting her family and made room for everyone, even filling her home with the largest dining table and china cabinet she could fit. Some of the most meaningful moments of her life were spent gathered around that table with the people she loved.

Sandy was remarkably creative and could seemingly make just about anything with her hands. She was an accomplished seamstress who made clothing, Halloween costumes, and countless other creations for her family. She loved crafting, cooking, baking, and playing the piano. And when she was not creating something or caring for someone, there was a good chance she was watching her beloved Dallas Cowboys and making sure everyone, including the television, knew exactly what she thought about the game.

Her faith remained at the center of her life. Trinity Baptist Church was Sandy and Don’s longtime church home, the same place where they began their marriage in 1961. Sandy later served faithfully there and taught Sunday school, pouring into the lives of others and sharing the faith that meant so much to her. Although she was no longer able to attend church regularly as she grew older, her love for the Lord and her faith never left her.

Sandy was funny, compassionate, strong willed, and fiercely devoted to the people she loved. She took tremendous pride in being a mother and grandmother and never stopped caring for her family. Whether it was making a cake, sewing a costume, cooking a meal, opening her home, or simply being there when someone needed her, Sandy spent her life pouring into others.

Above all, Sandy was a fighter. After a devastating fall approximately ten years ago left her with a badly broken leg and ultimately dependent on a wheelchair, she continued to face life with determination. During the final six months of her life, Sandy began physical therapy and fought harder than ever to regain some of the independence she had lost. Against the odds, she began walking again with the assistance of a walker, something her family viewed as nothing short of a miracle and another testament to both Sandy’s incredible determination and the faith that carried her throughout her life.

Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Paul Warren; her parents, Leonard and Grace Whittington; and her sons, Mark Warren and Michael Warren.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Adkisson; her brother, Larry Whittington and wife June; eight grandchildren, Amanda Harris, Bethany Martin and husband Ethan, Brandon Warren, Emily Warren, Hunter Crowder, Brianna Miller and husband Justin, Ryker Adkisson, and Brett Warren; and 18 great grandchildren.

Sandy leaves behind far more than the things she made or the traditions she created. She leaves behind generations of people who were loved, cared for, fed, encouraged, taught, and prayed for by her. Her cakes marked celebrations, her table brought family together, her hands created countless gifts, and her faith helped shape the family she loved so deeply.

While her family will deeply miss her laughter, her strength, her cooking, her Cowboys commentary, and the countless ways she cared for them, they find comfort knowing that Sandy has gone home to the Lord she faithfully served and has been reunited with Don and the loved ones who went before her.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on September 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Elmwood Funeral Home’s Family Center, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas 79606. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277, Abilene, Texas 79606.