Sandra “Sandy” Maxine Fleming McRacken of Statesville, N.C., passed away on December 1, 2021.
She came into this world with a “rather rowdy” arrival in the front bedroom of her grandparents’ house just outside of Troutman, N.C., on October 4, 1942 – the daughter of the late Earl Whren Fleming and Florence E Martin.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Lackey; daughter in-law, Anita McRacken, and a number of her dear friends in recent months.
Sandy is survived by her husband of nearly 58 years, James A. McRacken Sr.; two sons, James McRacken Jr. (Tina), and Mark McRacken; daughter, Candice McRacken Britt (Matthew); and five grandchildren, Brianna, Andrew, Molly, Megan, Caroline.
Sandy was a graduate of Troutman High School and Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University), where she proudly portrayed the Mrs. Yosef mascot amongst her other endeavors and studies.
Sandy spent over three decades as a full-time educator, first at Pembroke State and Rowan County, with a pause early in her career to move to Augsburg, Germany, for a year and join her husband who was stationed there in the U.S. Army. Half a century later, she still shared fond stories of her days living in Europe. For more than 28 years Sandy worked as a Health and Physical Education Teacher at D. Matt Thompson Jr. High in Statesville. She finished her teaching career at Statesville Middle School – and even after retirement, she returned to education as a Literacy Facilitator for close to a decade at Third Creek Elementary. Each year of teaching was a revelation for her, full of eye-opening adventures, many treasured students and wonderful colleagues.
She was an avid sports fan, including all things Carolina Tar Heels and Appalachian Mountaineers, Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers, and the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves. She was a peerless storyteller; a dedicated volunteer including H.E.L.P. Ministries and PGA Tour events; and a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, “beautiful Aunt Sandy,” neighbor and friend.
Sandy was a pillar of the community at New Perth ARP Church, where a Visitation and Service of Life will be held beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Tue. Dec. 7.
Donations may be made in Sandy’s name to H.E.L.P Ministries of Troutman, P.O. Box 151, Troutman, NC 28166 or online at www.hmtroutman.com.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.
Mrs. McRacken was my Health and PE teacher at D Matt Thompson in the late 60s, early 70s. She made a big impact on my life. I never forgot her.
So very sorry for your loss and our community’s loss. Sweet lady.
She was my PE teacher at DMatt Thompson. She taught us so much about how to take care of ourselves. She will be missed.
Mrs. McRacken was my PE teacher at Statesville Middle School back in the 90s. She was very patient of helping me to understand subjects. She will be missed. God bless her soul. Prayers are being sent to her family.
She was my PE Teacher at D Matt Thompson. Highly admired and loved! She truly cared about her students! I have wonderful thoughts of her on how she impacted my life ❤️
When someone we love become a memory Those memories become a Treasure!
Mrs. McRacken was my health and P.E. teacher at D. Matt Thompson. She was a wonderful teacher, respected, and loved by her students.
So sorry for your loss! Sending love and prayers to her family.
I knew Sandy, her sister Pat and Parents for many years. When I Started my Years at D. Matt Thompson It was her first year there. I was so thrilled to find out I would be having Sandy as my P.E. Teacher. Sandy was a Wonderful person and will be deeply missed. My Deepest Sympathy to her family. ?
Sandy will be greatly missed in our community. Leadership qualities like she had are very rare.
Sandra McRacken was my health and PE teacher at D Matt Thompson. She was outstanding. I remember she showed the girls how to drink water from the fountain without bending over too much. She was so sweet and saw things we needed to learn that others didn’t see the need and her desire to teach us followed us. RIP.❤️