Sandra Roofe Harris, age 79, of Hamlet, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at The Coventry of Belle Meade Senior Living Community in Southern Pines.
Born on July 4, 1945 in Hamlet, Sandra was the daughter of the late Frank E. Roofe Jr. and Kathleen Blackman Roofe.
She graduated from Hamlet High School in 1963, where she was homecoming queen, cheerleader and class officer. Sandra continued her education at Appalachian State University, earning her degree in History and Education in 1967.
On Dec. 17, 1967, Sandra married the love of her life, Stephen Von Harris of Boiling Springs. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, service, and dedication to their family and community.
Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Steve — who passed just six days before her — along with her parents and her sister, Mary Emily Roofe Thompson.
Sandra is survived by her brother, Frank E. Roofe III (Cathy) of Pinehurst; her niece, Lindsay Roofe Lavin (Kyle) of Chapel Hill and their children Kathleen, Campbell and Betty Gray; her niece, Emily Roofe Lombard (Kenny) of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and many special cousins.
Sandra was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. Known for her fierce loyalty to her family, her community, and her country, she lived a life marked by service and purpose. Her patriotism ran deep — a fitting reflection of her July 4th birthday.
Sandra dedicated much of her life to education, teaching U.S. History at Richmond County schools, including Rockingham Junior High, Hamlet High, and primarily Hamlet Junior High. One of the highlights of her teaching career was organizing trips to Washington, D.C. with the students where she shared her love and knowledge of government. She was deeply committed to her students, caring not only about the subjects she taught but about the lives she touched. Sandra took great pride in seeing her students succeed. Her influence stretched far beyond the classroom.
Her passion for democracy extended beyond teaching. Sandra served as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention, was a member of the National Organization for Women and the North Carolina Education Association. She contributed to the Richmond County Board of Elections and worked tirelessly as a poll worker and process judge, ensuring the integrity of the democratic process in her community.
She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Hamlet, participating in the sanctuary choir, outreach committee, Shirley Shelly Circle, and social committee. Her dedication to her hometown and history also led her to become an active leader in the "Save Our Station" movement, working to preserve the Seaboard Railroad Station in 2002. Sandra took great joy and enjoyed many laughs with her retiree book club, “The Happy Bookers” and with her close friends in bridge club.
Sandra’s legacy is one of love, service and steadfast devotion to the people and places she cherished most. She will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Lisa Hunt, Jolene Thomas, and First Health Hospice for their care of Sandra in the last months of her life.
A joint visitation for Sandra and Steve will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., followed by a memorial service at noon. Both will be held at First Baptist Church of Hamlet, 208 Charlotte St. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Allison Farrah and the Rev. Butch Farrah.
Memorial contributions may be made to: First Baptist Church of Hamlet, 208 Charlotte St., Hamlet, NC 28345; or First Health Hospice, 251 Campground Road, West End, NC 27376.
Online condolences may be shared at harringtonfuneralhome.com. Harrington Funeral Home of Hamlet is honored to serve the Harris and Roofe families.
