We celebrate the life of Cassandra Darlene McEwen for a Life Well-Lived. A life dedicated to Christ, God, and to the service of His people.
Sandy, as she was known, was born in Paducah, Kentucky, in 1949, to the late Vette and Thomas (T.J.) McEwen. Sandy was the second of six daughters to include Linda, Myrna (late), Gail, Evette, and Julie. She matriculated through the Paducah Public School system to include attending Lincoln and Tilghman High Schools. After graduation, Sandy attended and graduated from Paducah Community College. Siena, as she was known, was no stranger to hard work. She embraced entrepreneurship and sold everything from toys, Tupperware, curling irons, Lucky Heart hair care products (over 25 years' experience), records, cassettes, candy, and everything in between. She wasn’t comfortable asking her parents for money, so she began to work at an early age. Sandy retired from the Commonwealth’s Tourism Department and Whitehaven Welcome Center after 27 years of dedicated service in 2011. She holds commissions as a Kentucky Colonel, Duchess of Paducah, and a Notary. She enjoyed working as an election officer, volunteering at Martha’s Vineyard and the National Quilt Museum, participating in the Church Women United Group, Interdenominational Union Choir, 8th of August Breakfast Committee, attending senior functions where she specialized in puzzle completions, and organizing the Randolph-Calvin and McEwen-Dawson family reunions where she served as past president and chair of the cookbook committee.
At a young age, Sandy had a choice of attending churches, and she chose Holiness. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 was one of her most quoted scriptures. She followed in her grandmother Georgia Stubblefield’s steps and joined the Ware Memorial Church of God in Christ (COGIC) under the leadership of late Pastor J.J. Ware and the COGIC Kentucky First Jurisdiction under the leadership of the late Bishop A.T. Moore. Mother Sandy, as she is known to the church, has long served under current Pastor Dr. Marshall Chambers. Her commitment to Christ and others includes serving in the Public Relations, Hospitality and Mission Departments. She was recognized as a “silent missionary” by the Kentucky First Jurisdiction’s Mission Department in 2010. This designation encapsulates Mother Sandy’s commitment to service without having to be recognized for her contribution.
Siena never met a stranger and LOVED family. When she met new people her questions would include, “Who’s your family?” “Where are you from?”, followed by “Oh, we have family that live there.” “Do you know them?” and “What church do you go to?” She was committed to keeping the family together and encouraged all to reach out to their family members. She will be remembered for her annual Christmas family dinners, dressing, white beans, and cornbread! There wasn’t a dinner or event that was held that didn’t include her leading the song, “Don’t Forget the Family Prayer” and harmonizing “Climbing Up the Mountain” with her sisters and other family members.
Mom raised three children: Melissa, Donald, and Terrill and five grandchildren: Dorenda, Dwight, Darlena, Deshawn (late), and Destiny. Momma taught them to love God, family, and each other, and we are ETERNALLY grateful.
Sandy leaves her four sisters, three children and their spouses, Krystle and Daisy Cook; six grandchildren, including Christian and Chloe Cook, IV Williams, spouse to Dorenda Williams, family, co-workers, and friends to cherish her memory and follow her example of dedication, service, and generosity.
“ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13
Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025, 11:00 AM, at the Ware Memorial Church of God In Christ with Superintendent Dr. Marshall Chambers officiating. Burial will follow in Maplelawn Park Cemetery.
Friends may also call upon the family on Saturday at the church from 9:00 AM until the funeral hour.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
