Sandra Nell Harper, 74, of Leesburg, VA and formerly of Parrottsville, TN, died Tuesday, July 7, 2015. She was the wife of Billy M. Harper for 53 years. She was born in Greene County, TN on August 8, 1940 to Theodore and Gladys Winter.

Sandy grew up on the family farm where she enjoyed driving the tractor and helping in the fields, amidst a large tightknit
family that included her adored grandparents, her sister and many local aunts, uncles, and cousins. She had a tremendous love for all animals, and never turned away a stray. She attended Parrottsville High School where her father was the Principal, and became a cherished friend of her classmates with her mischievous pranks and fun ways.

Sandy attended Shorter College in Georgia for three years and completed her degree in Elementary Education at East Tennessee State University. Soon after graduation she married Billy Harper, who had just completed a three year term in the Marines, and was then employed by the U.S. State Department. Sandy and Billy were able to travel for his job, and resided in Maracaibo, Venezuela as well as Paris, France. In 1967 they settled in Virginia and started a family. Sandy was a devoted stay-at-home mother to her two daughters. She also devoted time to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and volunteered for twenty years at the Blossom and Bloom thrift shop. In addition, Sandy loved time with her close group of friends going bowling, lunching at favorite restaurants, and she was known for playing a wicked game of Bridge.

Sandy is survived by her husband Billy, her daughters Kathryn Winter Harper Polen and Amy Amanda Harper, grandsons Adam and Caleb Polen, sister Janyce Westerman, as well as a multitude of cousins, nephews, nieces, and dearly loved friends, (and her cherished poodle, Coco).

Services are at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, with Visitation Friday July 10th 6:00 - 8:00pm and Funeral Saturday the 11th at 11:00am followed by interment at Union Cemetery in Leesburg.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Loudoun County Animal Shelter, 39820 Charles Town Pike, Mailstop #66, Waterford, VA 20197 or the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad,143 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA 20175.