Franklin, VA - Sandra Lee Silcott Painter, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Franklin, Virginia, on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the age of 73. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Harold Silcott(Fay), Dallas Cooper Sr.(Lucille), and Gary Silcott(Shirley); her sister, Paulette Bowers; her niece, Shannon L. Cooper; her nephew, Dallas Cooper Jr.; and her former husband, Jerry Painter.

Born on September 1, 1951, in Bethesda, MD, Sandra was the daughter of the late Paul and Larue Rush Silcott. She graduated from Central High School in Woodstock, VA, with the Class of 1969. Sandra began her career with Holtzman Oil Corporation in Mount Jackson, VA, and retired from Helena Chemical Company in Courtland, VA, in 2021.

Those who knew Sandra—"Sandy" to some—remember her as one of the sweetest and most caring individuals you could ever meet. Her love for family and friends was boundless, and when Sandra cared about you, you knew it. Though small in stature, she was fiercely protective of those she loved and had a strong sense of dignity. In rare moments when someone behaved disrespectfully, she would swiftly and gracefully set them straight—what she fondly referred to as "the Silcott coming out in her."

Sandra was meticulous in all things. She took immense pride in her work, her home, and her cooking.

Sandra is survived by her cherished nephew, Heath Silcott, whom she lovingly called "Son"; her nieces, Lindi Cooper Bay (David) of Kingston, TN; Kristi Cooper of Huntsville, AL; Kimberly Rome of Woodville, AL; Kelly Cooper Gritzmacher (Harold) of Huntsville, AL; Tracy Cooper of Baton Rouge, LA; and Holly Bowers of Monterey Bay, CA; her nephew Travis Bowers of Camden, DE; and her lifelong friend, Celeste Allen of Fort Valley, VA.

In accordance with Sandra's wishes, she was cremated. Her ashes will be scattered along with those of her best furry friend, Lucky, in a place that holds meaning and peace.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 17th, 2025, at 2:00p.m. at Valley Funeral Chapel in Bowmans Crossing. The family asks that you join them after the service at the Edinburg VFW, for a light meal and refreshments.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.