Sandra Kay Duckett

On the morning of Dec 8, 2024, Sandra Kay Duckett (Desmond) passed away at Denver Hospice joining her son, Ray Arnold Desmond, who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her brothers, Mark Bowen, Arnold Ray Brooks, and James’s “Jimmy” Reeves, and is survived by her sister, Gwen Brooks. She will be missed by her nieces and nephew, Larry, Porsha, Edna, and Jenny. Many other relatives and friends will also cherish her memory!

 Sandra was 64 years old and is also survived by her daughters Kimberly and Andrea, son Derick Desmond (daughter-in-law Patrice), and grandchildren Davon Desmond, Terranae Lovelady, Zmarea’ Desmond, Raymere Desmond, Kyree Desmond, and Janyla Desmond.

ndra was born in Paris, Texas on Dec 1, 1960, to her parents (also preceding her in death) Annie Ruth Reeves and James Oliver Desmond. After relocating from Paris, Texas to Denver, Colorado, Sandra gave birth to her four children who were her greatest accomplishments in life. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, attending church, and supporting her community of friends at the Avon Apartments. Sandra would often prepare meals for individuals in her community to ensure that they felt loved and cared for during difficult times. This is a testament to Sandra’s big heart and love of people.

 To family and friends and many around her, we were all familiar with the infamous “Sandy K” who was always the life of the party and would often cuss-you-out if anyone tried to intervene on her fun. “Sandy K” had a strong phone hang-up game, which was used to prove her point and make sure her perspective was heard. To her nieces and nephews, she was known as “Auntie Sandy” who allowed them to stay up late during sleepovers to enjoy house parties. To her children, she was known as, “Mama or Mom” as she would often show her love by walking each child to their car after a visit to make sure they were safe and to share her classic words, “Alright, I Love you.” To demonstrate her stubbornness, she would call each child obsessively, during all times of the day to talk or say “What Are You Doing.” She would make your bed, wash your clothes, prepare a meal, and love you with all she had. That’s the kind of love that we will miss from her. Her huge heart also met her persistence that pressed on, especially in the face of challenge. She taught us many life lessons. You could often find her laughing, dancing, watching movies, enjoying good food, and spending time with company.

 All three versions of Sandra (Mama or Mom) created a person who went through challenges in life to fuel how she lived to the next moment. She was authentic and always showed up, even if her decisions created frustration with her children. Regardless of any decision, we always felt her love and presence. Her courage to stand with her children in the face of struggle and embrace every mistake based on impossible circumstances was remarkable. Her unconditional love was unwavering as she taught us the power of forgiveness, acceptance, and the value of extending someone grace when they fail. She lived her life looking to learn from her mistakes, carrying the heavy burden of a single parent and used each moment to love her children and grandchildren. She would often say, “I tried my best, based on what I had during times of struggle.” Her ultimate goal was to carry her family into the next moments as she continuously loved everyone around her. Throughout her life, she always gave whatever she had to make sure you knew her love. She will be missed for her infectious laugh, her infamous side-eye, and her huge heart that could cover any hurt or pain. The way she lived is a true example of what it means to not give up when life gets hard. She displayed the truest resilience and held the strongest of spirits you would ever find. Although we will miss her strength, her children, for generations to come, will carry on her legacy. We find comfort in knowing that she will now be able to rest in eternity as she receives her heavenly crown and dances with our older brother Ray.

 Sandra worked for Denver Public Schools as a Line Cook where she was able to sneak extra meals to the school kids during lunch hours - always looking out for those in need, even if that meant bending the rules a bit. Throughout her life, Sandra lived to serve God attending church as a member of Soul Care Full Gospel Center, Agape Christian Church, and attended Shorter Community African Methodist Episcopal Church. Later in life, Sandra settled into her gentle spirit as she cherished time with her children and grandchildren. She never bowed out of life; she would never quit trying during the hardest moments of life. The way she lived through adversity is a lesson we can all learn from as we honor her life.