Sandra "Sandy" Gayle Willis Ferguson died on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, in Houston, Texas, after a valiant nine-month battle with cancer. She was 68 years old.

Sandy is survived by her husband of 48 years, the Rev. Steve Ferguson; her oldest son, Chris and his wife, Carrie; her youngest son, Craig and his wife, Jen; her daughter, Catherine and her husband, Travis; grandchildren, Lauren, Ashley, Lynsey, Abigayle, Emma Kathryn, Hannah and Drew; brother, Jimmy Ray Willis; sister, Carol Diane Willis Edmonds; her "other" sister, Debbie Navarre Breard; and a large number of extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by both her mother and stepfather, Mavis Elaine Womack O'Rourke and John O'Rourke; her father and stepmother, JB Willis, Sr. and Terri Willis; and her brother, JB Willis, Jr.

She was born on August 25, 1948, in Winnfield, Louisiana, to JB Willis, Sr. and Mavis Elaine Womack (affectionately known as "Papa" and "Mama Gal"). She graduated from Bastrop High School in 1966 and attended Northeast Louisiana University.  She married Stephen K. Ferguson on August 9, 1969, in Shreveport, LA, at Sunset Acres Baptist Church. Together, they bore and raised three children to know and love Jesus.  Anyone who knew Sandy plainly observed how much she adored her children and how absolutely crazy in love she was with her grandchildren.

Sandy was an accomplished singer and prolific writer. She also loved playing the piano, but she rarely touted these talents.  Her humility was part of her charm, along with her ability to instantly draw others close and make them feel seen and loved.  Sandy was a southern lady to the core, never failing to make her Texas friends smile when she said, "Buttah or sugah."  She was well known for her pizzazz in the kitchen, and her grandchildren never missed an opportunity to bake with their Nani.  Throughout her home is evidence of Sandy's love for family.  Handmade treasures,

including cross-stitched masterpieces, grace the walls along with photos of the people Sandy loved dearly.

As a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK), Sandy served faithfully within her church communities, including two years as the DOK diocesan president. In addition to her volunteer service, she served as Director of Christian Formation until her retirement in 2009.  Sandy was passionate about children and undoubtedly touched the lives of countless others in her various roles within the church and community.  One of her most favorite weeks of the year was the week of Vacation Bible School.  Another joy of Sandy's was her involvement in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), first as a participant and then as a leader. If only one thing could be shared about this incredible lady of faith, it would be just that.  Her love of Jesus shone with every smile, every hug and every act of kindness she shared with others.

Sandy and Steve traveled extensively throughout the years, leading several groups on pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Sandy developed a deep and steadfast love for Israel and its people.  As such, she asked her family to return with her ashes upon her passing from earth, and plans for that are underway.  For family and friends interested in joining Sandy's final pilgrimage to Israel, please contact Steve.

Visitation for family and friends is scheduled at Klein Funeral Home Champion Forest for Friday, June 23, 2017 from 5-8 pm. A memorial will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 2 pm (also at Klein) with a reception immediately following at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Houston, TX.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sandy's life.

Friends may know that Sandy carried on her mother's "Jesus Calling" ministry, providing copies of the book to those who needed encouragement—often to people she didn't even know. Her family wishes to carry on this ministry in memory of both Sandy and Mama Gal. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations of copies of "Jesus Calling," Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (for adults, teen and children—available for purchase from Amazon) to be sent to:

CHI St. Luke's Health–The Vintage Hospital

c/o The Rev. Steve Ferguson

20171 Chasewood Park Dr.

Houston, TX 77070

"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all." (Proverbs 31:29 NLT )

"But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace." (Wisdom 3:1-3 NRSV )