With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Sandra Kay (Carter) Van Wyk, affectionately known as “Grandma” to her eight beloved grandchildren. Sandra, age 79, peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, January 5, 2026, at her home in Frisco, Texas. She was surrounded by family in the days leading up to her passing and had family at her side in her final moments.
Sandra was born on October 2, 1946, at Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas, the cherished daughter of Leslie “Les” Doyle Carter and Ada (McKerall) Carter. She grew up in a loving home in Lakeview, Texas, alongside her siblings, Allen and Sharon. It is here that many treasured lifelong memories were made. Sandra shared her musical gifts at church, first as a pianist and later as an organist. In school, she started with the clarinet, then moved to the oboe for marching band and the bassoon in the orchestra.
Following her graduation from Connally High School (Waco, Texas) in 1965, Sandra’s enthusiasm for life led her to attend 4-C Business College. She worked for the Perry Company for several years before enrolling at McLennan Community College, where she studied alongside her beloved sister Sharon and earned her Associate of Arts degree.
Sandra’s life was forever changed when she met Robert “Bob” Van Wyk. Their love story culminated in marriage on November 7, 1970, at First United Methodist Church in Waco, Texas. For 52 years, their bond was a beautiful testament to enduring love and devotion. Together, Bob and Sandra raised three children—Mark, Mindy, and Greg—in Plano, Texas. Family was the center of Sandra’s life, and her deep pride and love for her children and grandchildren were evident to all.
Sandra’s strong work ethic, exceptional customer service skills, and genuine desire to help others allowed her to flourish professionally at Taylor Publishing and JCPenney Life Insurance. When their children left for college, Bob and Sandra settled in Carrollton, Texas, where they created a warm and welcoming home for the next 27 years. It was there that grandchildren played in the backyard, baked cookies with Grandma, played board games, celebrated Easter and Christmas, watched NASCAR or football with Pop and built train sets with Pop. No one ever left without being offered cookies and ice cream first. Her children and grandchildren were truly her greatest joy, and she could not have been prouder of them.
Sandra never met a stranger. She was witty, quick with a response, and a joy to be around. A gifted conversationalist, she made everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. Helping others was woven into the fabric of her life—she would move mountains for those in need. Her parents instilled in her a deep love for Jesus, and His light and love radiated through her. She inspired others to be better simply by the way she lived.
A woman of many interests, Sandra found great joy in gardening, tending to her vibrant flowers, and sharing her backyard with the bunnies, birds, and squirrels she so lovingly watched. She was actively involved in church throughout her life. Her time was often spent attending Bible studies, volunteering to drive friends to medical appointments, and researching family genealogy.
Sandra was a proud member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, where she served as chapter Chaplain. She volunteered countless hours photographing headstones in local cemeteries and documenting them on the Find A Grave website, carefully typing entries to preserve history. For many years, she worked closely alongside her sister, Sharon, on this meaningful project. A proud sixth-generation Texan, her heritage and ancestry were deeply important to her and a great source of pride.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie “Les” Doyle Carter and Ada (McKerall) Carter, and her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Van Wyk.
She is survived by her loving children: Mark Van Wyk of Frisco, Texas; Mindy (Van Wyk) Christian and her husband Darren of Coppell, Texas; and Greg Van Wyk and his wife Amy of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her brother Allen Carter and his wife Louisa of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and her sister Sharon Farnsworth and her husband Carl of Waco, Texas. Her legacy continues through her eight cherished grandchildren—Kaitlyn, Jackson, Isabelle, Alexis, Evan, Nathan, Zoran, and Andrew—each of whom held a special place in her heart and lovingly called her “Grandma.”
Sandra will be laid to rest beside her husband at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. Her legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched—a beautiful reflection of kindness, integrity, faith, and enduring love.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Berkshire Chapel, 9073 Berkshire Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033. A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.