Sandra Swanner Burress

Sandra Jean Swanner was born September 2, 1945, in Cleveland, Liberty County, Texas, the first child of James Maryland and Dillie Mae Smith Swanner. Sandy passed from death into Life Monday November 17, 2025 held in the arms of her granddaughter, Shannon.

Sandy was a precocious child and according to stories her daddy told, she was perfect. She walked at nine months and was reading before age five. Sandy was her daddy’s constant companion and shadow when he was not working away from home.

She was joined by her sister Dutch in October 1947. Sandy and Dutch were best friends most of their growing up years and took care of each other through many moves and relocations.

Sandy was the ultimate “big sister” to Judy, Alice, and Kay. It has been stated that once you met Sandy, you liked her but probably came away saying to yourself “Man, that woman is bossy” she took her sister role seriously for the rest of her life. Baby brother Jimmy was born after she married. Sandy attended schools in Jourdanton, Freeport and other districts as her dad’s work moved them across various parts of Texas, finishing her formal education in Cleveland. Sandy met Charles at age 16, he was smitten with her immediately. On December 21, 1962, Sandy married Charles Ray Burress in the living room of her parent’s home, although her dad tried to bribe her with a car or flying lessons to not get married yet (she was not deterred). On their first anniversary their first child, a son, Timothy Wayne, was born. One year minus one day later a second son, Charles Kevin, joined their family. Soon followed by James Derrel and two beautiful girls, Jennifer Renee and Melanie Ann, who was followed 16 years later by Gabriel Eric.

Sandy was a lover of books, especially mysteries, and historical non-fiction. Her Bible was her favored book until she could no longer see to read; she loved a variety of music, especially southern gospel, and of course Rich Mullins. She enjoyed attending concerts by her favorites.

Sandy’s love language was acts of service; she loved to make and give homemade cards, decorative items, food and clothes. Her niece said, “Aunt Sandy never met a fabric that she couldn’t make better with ruffles, lace and/or sequins.” She made beautiful clothes for her sisters, children, grandchildren and nieces. Sandy was an excellent cook, and nothing brought her as much joy as cooking for her family and friends.

Sandy and Charles built several homes through the years, and she was the main T and corner maker. They were a great building team joined by their children, especially the boys. The kids learned to work and laugh together.

The Burresses loved to travel, after the children were grown they began riding motorcycles, taking scenic rides with friends and family. One of her favorite things to do was travel with their adult children or be the van driver, (she HAD to be the driver) taking groups of ladies to retreats or on shopping expeditions.

Sandy was an active member of New Life for many years, where she taught Sunday School, spearheaded the food pantry, acted as BGMC director and secretary/letter answerer for Brother Campbell, with whom she had deep philosophical and spiritual discussions. She finally had to concede that John Wayne wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

Later she attended Hull Community Church where she worked diligently in service to the Lord, supporting Sister Leta as much as possible. After she and Charles sold their home on The Hill to be closer to their daughter, Jennifer, they began attending Victory Christian Center where Pastor Marcus Davis ministered to them.

Sandy was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Charles; Parents, Children, Timothy Burress and Melanie Burress; Sisters Alice Kay Swanner, and Martha “Dutch” Wright.

Sandy is survived by: her children: Kevin Burress, Derrel Burress and wife, Michelle; Jennifer Tidwell and husband, Ken, and Gabriel Burress and Dixie. Grandchildren: Jeffrey Parker, Jonathon Parker, Shannon Sarver and husband, Michael; Brian and Krista Burress; Jeremy and Dalton Noack; Son of the heart: Bill Brown and wife, Marie; Sisters: Judy Martinez, husband Jesse, Kay Asbill, husband, Mike; Brother James Swanner; Sister-in-law, Betty Brown.

Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Angie Ramirez who has been a faithful caregiver and friend to both Sandy and Charles for the past few years, as well as Heart to Heart Hospice caregivers and nurses for their care of Sandy.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 5:00 until 8:00PM at New Life Church in Batson, Texas. Funeral Service to commence on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 2:30 PM., officiated by Pastor Bill Campbell, Marcus Davis and Leta Storey, at New Life Church. Interment will follow at Holly Grove Cemetery in Votaw.

Serving as Pallbearers are Michael Campbell, Alex Espino, Conner Drake, Tyler Drake, Mark Parker and James Asbill. Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Hill, Blaze Drake, Terry Whitmire, and J.R. Brown.

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?

Thanks be to God!

He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 15: 55, 57