Sandra (Sandy) Ahner Justice
December 8, 1964 – January 19, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sandra (Sandy) Ahner Justice, age 60, on January 19, 2025. Sandy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her vibrant spirit, adventurous nature, and boundless love for her family made her a cherished presence in the lives of many.
Sandy was born on December 8, 1964, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Russell and Linda Ahner. She attended Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee, where she met her husband Jeffrey (JJ) Justice. The two married in 1988 and spent 36 years together.
Sandy’s greatest joy was being a mother and “Mimi.” She is survived by her devoted husband, JJ; her children Samantha (Shane) Gaddis, Tyler Justice, and Courtney (Timothy) Justice-Briginshaw; and her beloved granddaughter, Macie Gaddis. Sandy adored being a Mimi and treasured every moment spent with Macie, her pride and joy. She is also survived by her father, Russell Ahner, her brother, Russel (Beate) Ahner III, and sister, Joanne (Benny) Paschall, along with several aunts, uncles, and a large extended family who will carry her memory with love and gratitude.
Sandy had an exceptional career in education, dedicating over 25 years to shaping young minds in the Brevard Public School system. From 1990 to 2015, she taught kindergarten through third grade, beginning her career at Croton Elementary before moving to Sherwood Elementary, where she made a lasting impact on both her students and colleagues. She served on the School Advisory Committee and was selected as a member of the East Set Committee, an initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she helped advocate for effective teaching practices. Sandy was proud to represent Florida at a national conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she worked to support and uplift fellow educators.
In 2015, Sandy and JJ moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she began working as a Tourism Sales Manager at the Grand Ole Opry. There, she quickly found her passion for sharing the rich history and culture of the Opry with visitors. Sandy loved being part of the Opry family, and her enthusiasm for music and storytelling made her job one of her most beloved roles.
Beyond her career, Sandy was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered countless hours with her children’s extracurricular activities, including serving as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, volunteering with the Eau Gallie High School Marching Band, and supporting the Central Florida Boy Scouts of America.
An avid runner, cyclist, and lover of the outdoors, Sandy embraced life with incredible energy. In 2005, she ran a marathon in Dublin, Ireland, raising $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and completed two half-marathons in Tennessee. She also participated in a Ragnar Race from Los Angeles to San Diego with a team of friends in 2018, and made it a personal tradition to ride as many miles on her bike as the age she was turning each year. Sandy’s longest birthday ride was 57 miles, and she once completed a single-day ride of 100 miles. Her love for the outdoors and physical challenges was matched only by her love for her family and friends.
Sandy was known for her radiant personality, adventurous spirit, and an unwavering belief that “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” She lived by these words, always seeking to overcome challenges with determination and grace. Sandy had an incredible ability to light up a room, and her infectious laughter, kindness, and positivity will be forever remembered by all who knew her. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who made her family her top priority, and her love will live on in their hearts.
Celebration of Life Details:
All are invited to celebrate the beautiful life of Sandy in a white shirt and jeans, her favorite outfit, and the joy she brought to all of us.
When: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Where: Eau Gallie High School Auditorium - 1400 Commodore Blvd Melbourne, FL 32935
Following the Celebration of Life, please join us to honor Sandy at her favorite place, the beach. So, bring a beach chair and a cooler with your favorite beverage & snack. Come ready to laugh, reminisce, and soak in the sunshine as we celebrate Sandy’s wonderful life.
Time: 2:30 PM
Where: Tables Beach - S Atlantic Ave, Patrick Space Force Base, FL 32925
Sandy will be laid to rest in Harpursville, New York in the spring, near the family farm she cherished so deeply.
Sandy’s spirit, love, and strength will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
12:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Eau Gallie High School Auditorium
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Starts at 2:30 pm (Eastern time)
Tables Beach
Visits: 344
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