Kay Sandlin

KNOXVILLE - Kay Carter Sandlin died peacefully at home in Knoxville on January 14, 2024 after a long illness. She was the best friend and wife of 44 years to Marc Sandlin who was by her side at the end: beloved mother of Carter (Hannah) of Kingsport: loving Grandmother Kaykay to Adaleigh, Beau and Ty: cherished sister to Michael (Anna), Paul (Andrea) and Marie (Dale): and a true friend to all who knew her.

Kay was born in Nashville, TN, to George and Geraldine Carter on December 21, 1953. She attended U T where she graduated in 1978 with a dual certification in Elementary and Deaf Education. Upon graduation, she left working in the dormitory at TSD to a classroom position. Kay had a nurturing nature. She had a gift for teaching and for seeking out and bringing out the best in things. Whether flowers in her garden--Kay was a gifted garndener and a trusted member of the Holston Rose Society---or children in her classroom, Kay tended tenderly to those in her care and helped them become what they were capable of being. Everything she touched seemed to blossom.

After teaching at TSD for almost 20 years, she, Marc and Carter traveled the globe for 9 years, teaching in schools in Jeddah, London and Prague. After returning to Tennessee in 2004, Kay returned to TSD where she remained for the remainder of her teaching career. Not one to remain idle for long, Kay volunteered at the Children’s Hospital neonatal unit cuddling sick and at risk babies until illness forced her to retire early.

A gathering of friends will be held at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage at 2:00 PM on Sunday January 21, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry, Habitat for Humanity