Sandra Smith Sullivan died Friday, April 24, 2026 in Galveston, TX.  Sandra, the daughter of Arlene and Joshua Smith, was born April 11, 1942, in Montgomery, WV.  Having spent her youth in Montgomery, she graduated from Montgomery High School in 1960 during which time she was a cheerleader and honor student. She attended West Virginia University where she was a member and president of West Virginia Alpha's chapter of Pi Beta Phi.  After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963, she received a fellowship to the University of Florida where she completed a Master of Education in 1964.

She held counseling positions in the University of Florida's Housing Dept., taught school in Waynesboro, VA, and following years of parenting her two young sons, she returned to school, earning a Ph.D. from UF in 1980.  From 1980 to 88, Dr. Sullivan was employed as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Community Mental Health, Inc. in Gainesville, FL, spearheading a Parents United, Inc. chapter and a Child Sexual Abuse program.  She was named Clinician of the Year in 1986 by the Florida Council for Community Mental Heath.

In 1988, she moved to Galveston, TX to serve as the executive director of Family Service Center of Galveston Co., a private nonprofit counseling center.  Throughout her professional career and in concert with other agencies, she developed and implemented treatment programs for child sexual abuse victims and their families, children with sexual behavior problems and other programs, becoming a founding member of the Advocacy Center for Children. Upon her retirement in 2002, she received recognition for her outstanding service from the County of Galveston, State of Texas. She has since volunteered in many capacities in Galveston's public schools and nonprofit organizations benefiting children and their families for whom she dedicated her professional life.

Sandra was cherished and revered by her husband, children, and sister, who were profoundly grateful for her unwavering love, devotion, and support throughout their lives. They were deeply proud of her professional accomplishments, as well as the grit and determination with which she faced life's challenges. She was equally beloved by her friends, who valued her warmth, wisdom, and fierce loyalty. A dedicated and active member of the Unitarian Universalist congregation, Sandra found lasting friendship and spiritual grounding within that community. Guided by clear convictions, she was an outspoken champion for women's rights, human rights, and progressive ideals. Compassionate and courageous, she lived a life of purpose.

She and her husband, K. Ball Withers, shared 34 years of marriage defined by devotion, partnership, and a deep and abiding friendship. Together, they built a life of joy and adventure that included a vibrant social life, traveling coast to coast to visit their much‑loved children and grandchildren, and enriching experiences such as journeys abroad.

She is survived by her husband and two birth sons, Robert Todd and Lee Christopher Sullivan, daughter in law, Heather Swenson, two stepdaughters, Susan Claunch and Pamela Chilton; their husbands David and Hank, respectfully; seven grandchildren and step grandchildren, Max, Ace, Gracie, Will, Franny, Alex, and Alice; and her sister, Deanie Smith Erb.

A memorial service will be held at the Galveston County Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Galveston, Texas, 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 18, 2026. In lieu of customary remembrances, those wishing to honor Sandra's memory may make memorial contributions to the Family Service Center of Galveston County.