Sandra Odessa Bumgardner

Sandra Odessa Jordan Bumgardner, 78, of Balsam North Carolina, passed away at Autumn Care of Waynesville on September 27, 2026.

Born on March 19, 1948, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Sandra was the daughter of Sterling Joseph Jordan and Mabel Jennings Jordan.

After graduating from Augusta College in 1970 and marrying later that year, Sandra devoted her life to her family, faith, and creative pursuits. Following her time as an elementary school teacher in Dearing, Georgia, she embraced her role as a homemaker, creating a loving home filled with warmth, traditions, and treasured memories.

Sandra found joy in spending time with her husband and children, especially while camping, traveling, and enjoying the mountains and beach. In 1992, she and her family moved from Thomson, Georgia, to Western North Carolina, where she began pursuing creative interests.

A talented weaver, Sandra graduated from the Fiber Arts program at Haywood Community College in 2000 and was a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting, sharing her creativity through handmade works. She also had a special affection for her dogs and cats, which brought her much happiness throughout the years.

Her faith was central to her life. Sandra enjoyed Bible study and was active in the children's ministry at Sweetwater Baptist Church, where she shared her love of learning with others. She was fond of celebrating holidays with enthusiasm and creating special moments for family.

She is survived by her husband James Bumgardner; children Travis Bumgardner, Sonya Bumgardner (Tim Ghiotto), and Erin Bumgardner (Jonathan Dowdle); grandchildren Alexis Bumgardner, Ashlyn Patrick, and Claude Reece; cousin Sally Jennings; nieces Paula Lovell, Beth Williamson, Clarice Pearson; and nephew Rusty Holloway. She is preceded in death by parents Sterling and Mabel Jordan, sisters Mary Lovell and Lenora Holloway, and brother Joseph Jordan.

Public visitation will be held at Appalachian Funeral Services on Thursday, October  1 at 2 p.m. A private burial will follow, with Brandon Johnson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries of Greenwood, SC, or Four Seasons Hospice of Hendersonville, NC.