of Little Rock, AR
July 19, 1945 - July 12, 2023
Sandra Sharpe Heister was a spirited soul who could recite Shakespeare by memory and had run, swum, kayaked and biked countless miles. She was born on July 19, 1945 in Texarkana, Texas to Elizabeth Clark Sharpe and Charles Everett Sharpe, who both preceded her in death. She also had an older brother, Charles Sharpe II (Bucky), who also preceded her in death and dearly loved her sister in law, Diane Sharpe; her nephew, Charles Sharpe III (Trey) and her niece, Elizabeth Gill who also preceded her in death. She earned a Masters in English literature from Newcomb University and was admitted to the UT Austin PHD program before she and her devoted and beloved husband, Peter Bailey Heister, decided instead to start a family. She went on to teach English composition at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for numerous years, meeting many lifelong friends and also earned a Master's degree in social work at UALR, which she used to teach therapy writing to women in crisis and she also taught English to non-native speakers.
Of all her accomplishments, she was likely most proud of her four children, Lara, Robyn, Michael and David and the families that they have made. She was an avid supporter of their relationships with one another. She also immensely proud to be a grandmother (aka Nonni to her grandchildren) and she adored Tyler, Alexis, Evelyn (Evie), Nena, Eleanor (Nora) and Logan. She also adored her furry grand pups and kitties, Buddy, Rocky, Duder, George, Cooper and Panda. Over their 55 years of marriage, she and Pete's favorite place to travel was to the beaches of St. George's island, where they took countless beach runs and later walks with one of their loyal Australian shepherds.
She was an avid reader and writer; she edited a book for a former student and wrote several published letters to the editors about the role of exercise in battling mental illness. She was also a highly accomplished athlete herself. As a young woman, she participated in synchronized swimming competitions, rode horses in the quadrille and once she and Pete moved to Little Rock in 1974, they both took up running and met many good friends through road racing and biking. She worked at the SportStop, helping other runners buy the correct shoe, as she always said good shoes were cheaper than an x-ray. As a runner, she quickly became a top state finisher in distances from the 5K to the marathon, qualified for the Boston marathon and completed the Pike's Peak half marathon numerous times. Later in life, she pivoted to swimming and likely swam an equivalent of the Atlantic Ocean via laps at the Little Rock Racquet Club pools.
She was a life-long educator and was an early teacher of Lamaze child birth classes, where she met numerous wonderful friends and she took immense pride in helping many women give childbirth naturally and safely. She also taught swimming while Pete was attending law school at SMU. For many years, she was involved in the Blue Ridge Triangle Garden Club, as she loved plants and gardening and took pride in caring for some of her father's plants in her garden.
She was also a fan of music and particularly songs like American Pie, anything by Joan Baez, and John Denver including Calypso:
"Aye, Calypso, the places you've been to The things that you've shown us The stories you tell. Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit The men who have served you So long and so well.
Like the dolphin who guides you You bring us beside you To light up the darkness and show us the way For though we are strangers in your silent world To live on the land, we must learn from the sea To be true as the tide And free as the wind-swell Joyful and loving in letting it be."
We loved you so much mom and will miss your laugh, love and wit so much, as you often quoted Jimmy Buffet, ''If we didn't laugh, we'd all go insane''.
There will be an opportunity to visit with the family Sunday, July 23rd at the Roller Drummond Funeral Home in Little Rock from 3 to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Little Rock Compassion center (https://lrcompassioncenter.org)
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18 Condolence(s)
Betsy Johnson
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
More than 30 years ago, Sandy and I did our 2nd year social work internship together at St. Vincent’s. Neither of us had any hospital experience, and we bonded while treading water in oncology and learning so much. Sandy was true blue. Such a caring, loyal friend. She helped many, as a social worker and as a open hearted human being. Rest in peace, my friend.
William & Anita Russell
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Many years of fine memories. Sandy was engaging, and it was always meaningful to “catch-up†on news about our grown-up families. Her legacy of love and caring continues.
Love to all the Heister family.
Gil caver
Monday, July 17, 2023
Her spirit will be missed.in my thoughts and prayers
Susan Cooper
Monday, July 17, 2023
So sorry to hear this news. Sandy was kind to slow down her bike ride and swim so I could tag along. Always so encouraging and one of the loveliest people I’ve known. My sincere condolences to her family, whom she loved so dearly. I know Sandy will be missed by all who knew her.
Kay Martin
Monday, July 17, 2023
From our earliest days you were a special friend. I will miss you. Bless your wonderful family.
Rebecca Ouellette
Sunday, July 16, 2023
When I was pregnant with our first child, we took her Lamaze class in 1971. We learned so much, she was a joy to be around and an excellent listener.
Our sincere condolences to the family. May she rest in love.
Eddie Jackson
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Sorry for your loss
Tom Vanderbilt
Sunday, July 16, 2023
I first met Sissy in the seventh grade. It coincidentally was an English class. She had the most perfect penmanship ever - using a “real†ink pen at that.
She was a sweet girl that always had a smile and kind words for everyone! I know she will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Stuart Harris
Sunday, July 16, 2023
My deepest sympathy to you, Pete, and to your family on your loss of Sandy. She was a brave soul whom I deeply respected.
Marie McGee Cates
Sunday, July 16, 2023
My life was better because she was my friend.
Cathy Lamb
Sunday, July 16, 2023
I was so saddened to hear of Sandys death. I became acquainted with her in Social Work school and through her friendship with my cousin Virginia Ann. I always thought of Sandy as a very brave individual, as I know that she battled similar demons that I battle. I remember seeing her so many times running past Virginia Ann’s house. She was a true athlete and a person who was so proud of her family. I hope that she has found true peace.
Katie Bauman
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Sandy was so very dear, always kind and welcoming, treating me like part of the family. I will remember her warm smile and kindness forever. Her memory will always be a blessing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Candy Stoone
Saturday, July 15, 2023
I’m very saddened by Sissy’s passing. We were friends in the same class. She
was kind to all. I know you all will miss her so much. What a giving life she had.
Rest In peace sweet Sissy. Prayers for comfort to you all.
Ida Darragh
Saturday, July 15, 2023
My deepest sympathies to Sandy's family. She was a major friend during the years we taught Lamaze together!
Terri Tackett Harrelson
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Called Sissy as a hometown friend, I was fortunate to love Sandy as my close friend. We lived one block apart and spent many fun hours on our front porch swing singing to 45 records. Sleep well, Sissy.
Matthew Hodges
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Mer and Susan Grayson
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Prayers and condolences to Sandy
Judy McCarley Ham